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Just remember whatever rate they give you, you still have to do the weekly claims and job search requirements. The money isn't automatic even after your claim is approved. I learned that the hard way when I missed filing one week and lost that payment completely.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status or ask questions about your benefit rate, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
This whole system is BROKEN when unemployment becomes this widespread. NYS Department of Labor wasn't designed to handle this many claims efficiently. We're all just numbers in their system while real families are struggling to pay rent and buy groceries.
Just remember you need to do job search activities every week and keep a log. NYS Department of Labor requires proof of at least 3 work search contacts per week. They can ask for your job search log at any time and if you don't have it, they can disqualify you and demand repayment of benefits.
honestly the whole system is designed to make you jump through hoops. yeah unemployment is 'important' because it keeps people from becoming homeless but NYS Department of Labor makes it so complicated with all the job search logs and weekly questions. half the time their website crashes when you try to file anyway
I had major issues reaching NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Couldn't get through on the phone no matter how many times I called. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Worth checking out if you're having contact issues with NYS Department of Labor.
James Johnson
Just go file already! You're overthinking this. If they employed you then they probably paid into unemployment. The system will figure it out.
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Joshua Hellan
Good luck with your claim! Most legitimate businesses are covered so you should be fine. Just make sure you have all your employment dates and wage information ready when you file.
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