


Ask the community...
The whole tax system is rigged against working people. They tax unemployment benefits but give billionaires tax breaks. Makes no sense that people who lost their jobs have to pay taxes on the money that barely kept them afloat.
Just to add some practical advice - when you file your taxes, make sure you double-check that the amount on your 1099-G matches what you actually received. I had a discrepancy last year where the form showed more than I got, and it turned out there was an error in their system. Also, if you're worried about owing money, you might want to consider making estimated tax payments next time if you receive unemployment again. The IRS has a tool on their website to help calculate how much to withhold or pay quarterly.
That's really helpful advice about double-checking the 1099-G amount! I hadn't thought about that possibility. How do you verify what you actually received if you don't have all your payment records? And when you say estimated tax payments, do you mean paying quarterly even while still receiving unemployment benefits?
I'm in a very similar situation - just received a call from NYSDOL about a potential overpayment from when I briefly returned to work last year. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring! It sounds like the consensus is that they'll keep your claim active but deduct a percentage (usually 20-25%) from your weekly benefits until it's repaid. The key seems to be responding quickly to any determination letters and having documentation ready if there are any discrepancies about work start dates. I'm also planning to look into the financial hardship reduction option that several people mentioned if the standard deduction rate would be too difficult to manage. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect going into this process!
I'm so glad this thread exists too! I was feeling really alone and worried about this whole situation when I first got that call from NYSDOL. It's been such a relief to read everyone's experiences and realize that most people are able to keep their claims active while paying back the overpayment. The 20-25% deduction rate seems to be pretty standard from what everyone is saying. I'm definitely going to have my employment documentation ready and respond quickly to any letters they send. Thanks to everyone for sharing - this community has been a lifesaver for helping me understand what to expect!
I just went through this exact situation a few months ago and wanted to share what happened in my case. NYSDOL determined I had an overpayment of about $800 from last summer when I started a new job but continued certifying for an extra week. They kept my claim active and are taking out exactly 20% from each weekly payment until it's paid back. The whole process from the initial call to receiving the official determination letter took about 3 weeks. One thing that really helped was keeping detailed records of all my communications with them and making sure to respond to their determination letter within the required timeframe. The reduced weekly amount has been tight but manageable, and it's definitely better than having the whole claim suspended. Hang in there - based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you should be able to keep getting benefits while they recoup the overpayment!
same boat here last month, my manager tried to scare me by saying i wouldnt get anything. ended up getting approved after they investigated. just make sure you file right away!
Hey Ava, I went through something similar a few months ago when I got let go from my retail job. The employer tried to contest my claim saying I was "unreliable" but NYS DOL approved me anyway after reviewing everything. The key thing is to file your claim ASAP - like literally today if you can. When you file, be honest about what happened but also mention any safety training you completed or if you weren't given proper warnings. The investigation process was nerve-wracking but they're pretty fair about looking at both sides. Don't let your employer intimidate you - you paid into this system and deserve a fair chance at benefits while you look for new work.
definitely apply if you think you qualify! worst they can say is no but at least you'll know for sure
@Declan Ramirez I was in a similar situation last year - working part-time while at college and had my hours cut. The most important thing is documenting that you're able and available to work around your class schedule. Since your classes are mornings only, you should be in good shape. When you file, emphasize your afternoon/weekend availability and keep records of any job applications you submit. Also, since you were already working part-time, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits even if you pick up a few hours here and there. The earnings requirements for students are the same as everyone else - you need sufficient wages in your base period. With 8 months of work history, you likely meet that threshold. Good luck!
@Omar Fawaz This is really helpful! I hadn t'thought about the partial benefits option - that could be perfect if I do pick up occasional shifts. Do you know if there s'a specific earnings limit for partial benefits, or is it calculated differently? Also, when you say sufficient "wages in your base period, how" do they determine what counts as sufficient? I m'trying to figure out if my restaurant wages over 8 months will meet their requirements.
Rosie Harper
just curious what was your appeal about? i might need to file one too but not sure if its worth the hassle
0 coins
Rita Jacobs
•They initially denied my claim saying I quit voluntarily, but I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. Had to gather documentation from my former employer to prove it wasn't voluntary. Definitely worth appealing if you have good grounds.
0 coins
QuantumQuest
I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago. My appeal decision took 6 weeks after the hearing, which sounds pretty typical based on what others are saying here. I know the waiting is incredibly stressful when you're running out of money - I had to borrow from family just to get by during that period. One thing that helped me was calling my local assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can sometimes help expedite things or at least get you a real status update. Also make sure you're checking your online account regularly since sometimes the decision shows up there before the mail arrives. Stay strong, most appeals do get resolved eventually!
0 coins
Amara Eze
•Thanks for sharing your experience and the tip about contacting your assembly member's office - I hadn't thought of that! I've been checking my online account daily but nothing yet. It's reassuring to hear that 6 weeks is normal, even though the waiting feels endless when you're stressed about finances. Did your assembly member's office actually help speed things up, or did they just give you a status update?
0 coins
Dylan Campbell
•In my case, the assembly member's office was able to get me a specific status update within 2 days - they told me my case was "under review by the administrative law judge" and gave me a more realistic timeline of 2-3 more weeks. I don't think they actually sped up the process, but having that concrete information really helped reduce my anxiety. The representative I spoke with said they deal with unemployment issues frequently and were very understanding about the financial stress. It's definitely worth a quick phone call!
0 coins