


Ask the community...
unemployment basically means your not working full time anymore and looking for work, thats it. if you lost your job you probably qualify unless you got fired for something really bad
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS SET UP TO CONFUSE PEOPLE! They make the language so complicated on purpose so people give up and don't claim benefits they're entitled to. I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for years and they change the rules constantly. Don't let them intimidate you - if you lost your job file a claim and let THEM figure out if you qualify or not!
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.
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.
My brother went through this exact thing last year and his employer tried to claim he was fired for attendance issues even though he was clearly laid off with 15 other people when they closed the department. He had to do a phone hearing but won easily because the employer couldn't provide any actual documentation of the supposed attendance problems.
Savannah Weiner
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make it impossible to reach anyone and then close early. I've been trying to resolve an overpayment issue for MONTHS and can never get through. These offices should be open evenings and weekends for working people!
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Levi Parker
•I feel your pain but getting angry won't solve the problem. The system is overwhelmed but there are ways to work with it.
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Libby Hassan
Just went through this same thing with finding office hours. Most close between 4-5 PM but some locations have weird schedules. The Buffalo office I went to was only open Tuesday-Thursday for walk-ins. Best bet is to call the general number and ask for your local office hours.
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