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.

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.

been getting unemployment for 2 months now and it's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. just dont forget to file every week or you'll be scrambling to get back payments

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

wait so when I report that I'm unemployed each week, that goes into like government statistics? I thought it was just for my claim processing

The key factor is whether you're able and available for work. If your workers comp case involves total disability, you can't collect unemployment. But if you're cleared for modified or light duty work and your employer can't accommodate those restrictions, you might have options. You'll need medical documentation showing what work you can perform and proof that you're actively job searching within those limitations. The NYS Department of Labor will review your case individually.

Wait this is confusing me too because I thought workers comp was supposed to replace your wages? Why would you need unemployment on top of that? Seems like double dipping to me.

the unemployment rate is calculated by dividing unemployed people by the total labor force but like others said it doesnt count discouraged workers or people who gave up looking temporarily so its not the whole picture

Yeah the numbers are definitely confusing. I think as long as you're filing your weekly claims with NYS Department of Labor you're being counted in their data. But there's probably a lot of people not captured in the official statistics.