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Just to add - you need to have earned at least $2,700 in wages during your base period to qualify for unemployment benefits in NY. And you need wages in at least two quarters of the base period. These are the monetary eligibility requirements.
One thing that tripped me up was that if you have multiple employers during the base period, NYS Department of Labor will count wages from ALL of them when calculating your benefits. You don't have to choose just one job - they look at your total wages from all covered employment.
You should list all your employers from the past 18 months when you file your claim. NYS Department of Labor will verify the wages with all of them.
@Ava Johnson Perfect, thank you! That makes sense about listing all employers from the past 18 months. I m'feeling much more confident about filing my claim now that I understand how the base period works and that both my jobs will count toward my benefits.
THE WHOLE APPEAL PROCESS IS A JOKE!!! Had my hearing 3 weeks ago and still waiting. They drag their feet on purpose hoping you'll give up. Keep calling and demanding updates because they won't prioritize your case otherwise.
Just curious what was your hearing about? I have one coming up next month for attendance issues and I'm nervous about what to expect
Mine was for misconduct - my employer claimed I violated company policy but I had documentation showing I followed proper procedures. My advice is to gather all your evidence beforehand (emails, attendance records, company handbook policies, etc.) and be prepared to explain your side clearly. The judge will ask both you and your employer questions. Don't be too nervous - the judge was actually pretty fair and let me present everything I needed to. Good luck with yours!
honestly the whole phone system is a joke now, they've made it nearly impossible to do anything without going online. even when you do get through they just read you the same info thats on the website
Try going to a local library if you can't get the online filing to work on your phone. Most libraries have computers you can use and the my.ny.gov portal works better on desktop browsers. That's what I did when I was having similar issues.
You can verify your payment method by logging into my.ny.gov and going to the 'Payment Method' section under your unemployment services. If you have direct deposit set up, you'll see your bank info (last 4 digits). If it shows debit card, the KeyBank card typically arrives within 7-10 business days after your first payment is issued. Make sure your mailing address is current because that's the most common reason for payment delays.
What if you never got the debit card and it's been over 2 weeks? I've been calling NYS Department of Labor but can never get through to anyone. This is so frustrating trying to get basic information about my own money.
I had the same problem with never getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone. Someone here recommended using Claimyr to actually reach an agent - it's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. I was skeptical but it actually worked and I got through to someone who could track down my missing debit card issue. Turned out they had the wrong zip code.
The whole NYS Department of Labor payment system is such a mess. I've been dealing with unemployment for 6 months and every step is a nightmare. First the adjudication takes forever, then they approve you but don't tell you how payments actually work. Why can't they just send a clear email explaining the next steps?
Anita George
grocery stores like stop and shop or key food usually cash checks too, might be cheaper than banks but you gotta buy something usually
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Alice Pierce
Try TD Bank or Capital One if you have one nearby - they usually cash government checks for around $5-8 even without an account. Also some pharmacies like CVS or Duane Reade have check cashing services at their customer service counters. Just make sure to bring valid photo ID and be prepared for the fee. Good luck getting your rent sorted!
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