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The NYS Department of Labor is super strict about the 'able and available' requirement. I tried calling them about a similar situation and couldn't get through for weeks. If you need to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about your specific circumstances, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
the whole system is ridiculous. you pay into unemployment your whole career but when you actually need help during maternity leave they say no. meanwhile men can collect benefits if they get laid off but new mothers get nothing. makes no sense!
I had issues reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I needed to verify my eligibility status last year. The phone lines are always busy. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me time instead of calling dozens of times myself.
honestly the whole system is confusing AF and the NYS Department of Labor website doesn't explain things clearly. I've been trying to reach someone by phone for weeks about my claim and can never get through. The automated system just hangs up on you after being on hold forever.
wait so even if they contest it i can still get benefits while its being reviewed? or do i have to wait until nys department of labor decides?
GalaxyGazer
The whole unemployment system is designed to deny as many people as possible! They make it confusing on purpose so people give up and don't appeal. Don't let them win - fight this denial even if it takes months. I had to go through THREE levels of appeals before they finally approved my claim.
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QuantumQuest
•Three levels?? That sounds exhausting. How long did the whole process take you?
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Amina Sow
Most common denial reasons I've seen: 1) Base period wages too low 2) Fired for misconduct 3) Quit without good cause 4) Not available for work 5) Fraud allegations. Since yours says insufficient wages, focus on gathering ALL your wage documentation. Also check if they used the right base period - sometimes you can request an alternate base period if the standard one doesn't include your recent higher earnings.
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