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One thing that really helped me when I was trying to reach NYS Department of Labor about my benefit calculation was using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically get you through to an actual agent instead of dealing with the busy signals and disconnections. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and I got my questions answered in like 20 minutes.
Don't forget you also have to meet the job search requirements to keep getting your unemployment pay. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your search activities. They can ask to see your job search log at any time, so make sure you're documenting everything properly.
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about my benefit amount calculation and it's impossible! Their phone lines are always busy or they just hang up on you after being on hold forever. It's so frustrating when you need answers about your claim. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.
Never heard of that before but anything is better than spending entire days trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor. How does it actually work?
Just remember the money is taxable! I made the mistake of not having taxes withheld from my unemployment benefits and owed a bunch at tax time. You can request federal and state taxes be taken out when you file your weekly claims.
Another thing to consider - if you have federal student loans, they have unemployment deferment options. Private loans are trickier but some lenders will work with you. The key is being proactive and honest about your situation rather than just hoping things will get better soon.
Just want to say hang in there. Being on unemployment is stressful enough without worrying about credit. The fact that you're thinking ahead about this shows you're being responsible. Take advantage of whatever help is available and don't feel bad about using hardship programs - that's literally what they're there for.
I had this exact same problem last month. Spent weeks trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone with no luck. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connects you directly to unemployment agents. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Got connected within a day and found out there was a verification issue holding up my payments that wasn't showing online.
Mia Rodriguez
Wait I thought it was higher than that? I could swear I saw $520 somewhere on the my.ny.gov site...
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Elijah Jackson
•You might be looking at an old page or thinking of a different benefit type. The regular UI maximum has been $504 for 2024. Sometimes the site has cached pages that show older amounts.
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Jacob Lewis
Just to add - that $504 is before taxes if you choose to have them withheld. You can elect to have 10% federal tax taken out when you certify your weekly claims. Also make sure you understand the job search requirements because they will audit those and if you don't have proper documentation in your job search log, they can disqualify you.
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Isabella Martin
•Good point about the taxes. I'll probably have them withhold since I don't want a big tax bill next year.
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