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wait so if i got unemployment do i need to file taxes even if i didnt work? i thought you only filed if you made over a certain amount
Yes, you typically need to file if your unemployment benefits plus any other income exceed the filing threshold for your filing status. For 2024 taxes, that's usually around $13,850 for single filers. But you might want to file anyway if you had taxes withheld - you could get a refund.
Just want to add for anyone still confused - make sure you keep a copy of your 1099-G form and any other unemployment documentation. The IRS sometimes has issues matching up the forms, so having your records is crucial. Also, if you received unemployment from multiple states or programs, you'll need to report all of them. I made the mistake of only reporting my NYS benefits and forgot about some federal pandemic assistance I got early in the year.
That's a really good point about keeping documentation! I actually had a similar issue where I forgot about some of the extra federal unemployment benefits from earlier in the pandemic. It's easy to lose track when you're getting payments from different programs. Did you have to file an amended return when you realized you missed reporting some of it?
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I went through this exact process about 6 months ago when my retail store closed down unexpectedly. Since you mentioned you were laid off due to store closing, that's actually one of the best-case scenarios for quick approval - there's no ambiguity about why you're unemployed. I got my first payment in 12 days, but here's what I learned: 1) File your weekly claims immediately (I made the mistake of waiting and lost my first week), 2) Upload any separation documents you have right away through the portal, and 3) Check your my.ny.gov account daily for messages. The system will show "pending" for a while which is normal. Given that rent is due in 2 weeks, you might also want to reach out to your landlord to explain the situation - many are understanding about unemployment delays. Also check if your local area has any emergency rental assistance programs while you wait. Hang in there, the waiting is the hardest part but store closures usually process pretty smoothly!
This is really helpful advice, especially about reaching out to the landlord proactively! I hadn't thought about that but you're right that being upfront about the situation is probably better than waiting until rent is actually late. I'll also look into local emergency rental assistance - that's a great suggestion I wouldn't have considered. Thanks for the reassurance about store closures typically processing smoothly. It's encouraging to hear from someone who went through the same situation recently. I'm definitely going to make sure I'm checking my account every day and staying on top of the weekly claims.
I'm also waiting on my unemployment claim after being laid off two weeks ago - this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on what everyone is sharing, it sounds like the key is to keep filing weekly claims even while the initial application is being processed. I made the mistake of waiting and now I'm worried I missed my first week. Can you still claim a week retroactively if you missed filing it initially? Also, for those who got through to an actual agent at NYS Department of Labor, what time of day did you have the best luck calling? I've been trying the 888 number but keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after long holds.
Yes, you can usually claim weeks retroactively! When you log into my.ny.gov and go to file your weekly claim, it should show any weeks you missed and let you certify for them. The system typically allows you to go back and claim weeks from when you first became unemployed, as long as it's within the reasonable timeframe. Don't panic about missing that first week - just file for all available weeks when you log in. As for calling NYS Department of Labor, I've heard from others that early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon tends to work better, though it's still hit or miss. The phone system is definitely frustrating!
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Based on your work history, you should definitely qualify for a new unemployment claim! Working from September 2024 to April 2025 gives you wages in multiple quarters (Q3 and Q4 of 2024, plus Q1 of 2025), which easily meets NY's requirements. I was in a similar situation - had an old claim from 2022, then worked for about 8 months before getting laid off again in early 2024. I was nervous about reapplying but it turned out to be straightforward. The system automatically calculates which base period gives you the best benefit rate, so you don't have to worry about that part. When you file, use your existing NY.gov account and select "File a New Claim" rather than trying to reopen your old one. Have your employment dates and employer info ready, but don't stress too much about the wage amounts since they pull that data from employer reports anyway. The hardest part honestly is just getting past the anxiety of navigating their website - once you actually start the application it's pretty step-by-step. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's really helpful to hear from someone who's been through this process recently. I'm definitely feeling less anxious about applying now after reading all these responses. One quick question - when you filed your new claim, did you notice if your weekly benefit amount was significantly different from your previous claim? I'm trying to get a sense of what to expect since my temp job pay was pretty variable month to month.
Hey Rami! I was in almost the exact same boat last year - got laid off in late 2023, collected benefits, then worked a contract job from August 2024 until February 2025 when it ended. I was super worried about whether I'd qualify again but it turned out to be no problem at all! Your work from September 2024 to April 2025 definitely qualifies you for a new claim. Since you worked across multiple quarters (Q3 2024, Q4 2024, and Q1 2025), you easily meet the requirements. The system will automatically use whichever base period gives you the higher benefit amount. When I filed my new claim, I used my existing NY.gov login and selected "File a New Claim" - don't try to reopen your old one from 2023. The application asked for all my employment info from the past 18 months, so have your temp job details ready (start date, end date, employer info, reason for separation). One thing that surprised me was how much faster the process was the second time around - I think because all my basic info was already in the system. Got approved within about 10 days and payments started right after that. Don't stress too much about the wage calculations or whether you'll qualify - your work history clearly meets the requirements. The hardest part is just getting through their confusing website interface! You've got this.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for sharing your experience - it's such a relief to know that someone in basically the same situation had success with this. I was really worried that having collected benefits before would somehow complicate things, but it sounds like the system handles it pretty smoothly. The 10-day timeline you mentioned gives me hope too since I'm already stressing about bills. I'm going to get all my employment info together and file tomorrow. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all these details!
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I work at a post office and can confirm what everyone is saying - these KeyBank unemployment cards do come in very plain envelopes that look like regular business mail or even credit card offers. We see them all the time and honestly, they're designed to be discreet for security reasons. A few tips from the postal side: The envelope will usually have a barcode at the bottom, standard first-class postage, and the KeyBank return address (often from their Ohio processing center). If you're really worried about missing it, you can put a mail hold at your local post office and pick up your mail in person for a week or two while you're expecting it. That way nothing gets lost or accidentally thrown away. Just bring ID and they can hold your mail for up to 30 days. Also, if you have a mailbox that's easily accessible to others, consider getting mail delivery to your local post office instead during this time - it's called General Delivery and it's free.
This is incredibly helpful advice from someone who actually works at the post office! I had no idea about the mail hold option or General Delivery - that's a great backup plan if I'm really worried about missing it. The detail about the barcode at the bottom is useful too, I'll look for that. Thanks for the insider perspective on what these envelopes actually look like from the postal worker's side!
I just wanted to add that if you're checking your mail regularly but still haven't received your card after 2 weeks, there's another option to consider. You can actually access your benefits online through the KeyBank website even before the physical card arrives. Once your payment is issued (which you can see in your NY unemployment portal), you can create an online account with KeyBank using your SSN and some personal info. From there you can see your balance and even transfer money to your own bank account if needed. I had to do this when my card was delayed by almost 3 weeks due to a postal issue in my area. It was a lifesaver because I could still access my benefits while waiting for the replacement card to arrive. Just make sure to keep the card request active with KeyBank even if you're accessing funds online, since you'll eventually need it for ATM access and in-person purchases.
Wow, I had no idea you could access the benefits online before getting the physical card! That's such a useful backup option. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind in case my card gets delayed. Do you remember if there was any waiting period after the payment showed as issued before you could create the online KeyBank account, or were you able to set it up right away?
Morgan Washington
I'm dealing with a similar work authorization situation right now and it's incredibly stressful. From what I've researched, you typically need to maintain valid work authorization to be eligible for unemployment benefits in NY. However, I've heard that if you have a pending I-485 (adjustment of status) application, you might be able to maintain eligibility under certain circumstances. The key seems to be whether you can legally accept employment if offered. I'd definitely recommend getting in touch with both an immigration attorney and trying to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor who specializes in these complex cases. Don't wait until the last minute - start making those calls now while you still have time to explore your options. Also, keep pushing your employer on that extension filing - 6 weeks is cutting it really close!
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Jessica Nolan
•@Morgan Washington This is really helpful advice - especially about not waiting until the last minute. I m'in a somewhat similar boat with my EAD renewal still pending while I m'on unemployment. The uncertainty is awful. Have you found any reliable resources that explain the specific circumstances under which pending applications might help with eligibility? It seems like every case is different and the rules aren t'very clear online. Also totally agree about pushing the employer - 6 weeks seems way too close for comfort given how slow government processing can be these days.
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Nolan Carter
I went through almost this exact situation two years ago with my H-1B renewal. Unfortunately, NYS Department of Labor is very strict about work authorization - once your permit expires, you're no longer considered "able and available for work" which is a core requirement for UI benefits. Even though you've been paying in, eligibility depends on your current status, not past contributions. The one potential exception I learned about was if you have certain pending applications (like I-485 adjustment of status) that might allow you to continue working legally, but this varies case by case. My advice: 1) Push your employer HARD on filing that extension NOW - 6 weeks is really tight, 2) Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation and any pending applications you might have, and 3) Try to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor who deals with complex eligibility cases (though as others mentioned, this can be frustrating). Document everything with your employer about the delay too - you might need it later. Really hoping your employer comes through for you soon!
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Zoey Bianchi
•@Nolan Carter This is such valuable insight from someone who s'actually been through it. The distinction between past contributions and current eligibility status is really important to understand - it s'frustrating but makes sense from a policy perspective. Your point about documenting everything with the employer is crucial too. I m'curious - when you were dealing with this, did you find any advocacy organizations or legal clinics that specialize in these immigration/employment benefit intersections? It seems like such a niche area but one that affects so many people. Also, for anyone reading this thread, it might be worth checking if your state has any emergency assistance programs that could bridge the gap if you do end up in that limbo period between work authorization expiring and renewal being approved.
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