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This is exactly why the unemployment system is so confusing! They use all these technical terms but don't explain what they actually mean. I spent weeks thinking I had to calculate something myself before realizing the system does it automatically. The NYS Department of Labor really needs better instructions on their website.
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify these kinds of questions, I had good luck using claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to an actual agent without waiting on hold forever. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I needed to verify my partial benefit calculations were correct.
Just went through this same confusion last month! The weekly certification form is asking for your GROSS earnings, not asking you to calculate any rates. Report exactly what you earned before taxes and the NYS Department of Labor system automatically applies their partial benefit formula. Don't overthink it - just be honest about your earnings and let the system do the work.
Wait I'm confused - I thought if you quit you automatically can't get unemployment no matter what? My friend quit her job because her boss was harassing her and she said she couldn't get benefits. Maybe the rules changed?
Document EVERYTHING before you make any moves. Dates, times, what was said, who was there. Take photos if there are safety issues. NYS Department of Labor will want concrete evidence, not just your word against theirs. And honestly, start job hunting now while you're still employed - it's always easier to find work when you already have work.
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about your adjudication, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. I was able to get my claim status sorted out in like 20 minutes after weeks of trying to call myself.
The whole system is rigged against workers. Companies will lie, cheat, and steal to avoid paying what they owe. I've seen employers claim people were fired for cause when they know damn well it was just downsizing. NYS Department of Labor needs to start penalizing companies that file false disputes.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! They make you jump through hoops just to find out what you're entitled to. I've been waiting 2 WEEKS just to get my monetary determination and when I call they say my claim is under review. Under review for WHAT?? This is exactly why people lose faith in government programs.
Ethan Taylor
Just to add - when you file for unemployment make sure you have all your employer information ready including exact dates and addresses. NYS Department of Labor will contact your previous employer to verify everything so accuracy is important. Any mistakes can delay your claim approval.
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Yuki Ito
The whole system is designed to make you give up honestly. They ask for so much documentation and then take forever to process anything. But stick with it because the benefits do help while you're looking for work.
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Carmen Lopez
•This is so true! Took them 3 weeks just to process my initial claim and I was stressing the whole time.
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