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The unemployment system is so messed up! They make it impossible to get answers when you're already dealing with family emergencies. Like why can't they have some kind of partial benefit for people on FMLA who aren't getting full pay?? The whole thing is designed to screw over working families.
check with your state disability program maybe? i know some states have temporary disability benefits that might cover part of your income during fmla but idk if ny has that
New York does have Paid Family Leave (PFL) which might be what you're looking for! It provides partial wage replacement when you're on FMLA for bonding with a new child or caring for a family member. You should check if your situation qualifies - you can apply through your employer or directly with NY's PFL program. It's separate from unemployment and designed specifically for people on family leave.
Similar thing happened to me except it was after I used all my sick time for COVID. Got fired two weeks later for 'not being a team player' whatever that means. Filed anyway and got approved after they investigated. The employer tried to contest but couldn't prove actual misconduct.
This is definitely worth pursuing - the timing after your FMLA return is highly suspicious and could indicate retaliation, which is illegal. When you file your unemployment claim, be very detailed about the timeline: when you took FMLA, when you returned, and exactly when they terminated you. Also mention that your previous performance reviews were positive. NYS Department of Labor takes potential FMLA retaliation seriously during their investigation. Even if your employer contests the claim saying it was for "performance issues," the burden will be on them to prove it was legitimate misconduct and not related to your protected leave. Keep copies of everything and don't let them intimidate you - you have rights here.
Yes! I updated my bank info online, waited 5 days, then checked my account to confirm the last 4 digits of my new account were showing. Then I filed my weekly certification and got my payment in the new account 2 days later with no issues. Definitely glad I waited to make sure everything was updated first.
Just went through this exact same process last week! Updated my direct deposit info on Monday and it took exactly 4 business days to show up in my account settings. The key thing is to log in and check that your new bank account's last 4 digits are displaying correctly before you file your weekly cert. I was paranoid about it so I called the automated system to double-check my payment method was updated - you can do this by calling the main NYSDOL number and using the automated options. Once I confirmed everything looked good, I filed my certification and got paid to the new account without any problems. Definitely worth the peace of mind to wait those few extra days!
same thing happened to my neighbor, she just had to apply for other benefits and keep looking for work
This is such a frustrating situation and unfortunately very common. The system calculates your total benefit amount when you first file based on your previous wages, and once that money is gone, that's it - even if you have weeks left in your benefit year. It's not based on a guaranteed 26 weeks, but rather on your specific monetary entitlement. I'd suggest calling the NYS DOL to confirm you don't qualify for any extensions, and definitely look into other safety net programs like SNAP, emergency rental assistance, and local food banks while you continue your job search. Don't give up - keep applying and using all the job placement services available through the state.
This is really helpful information, thank you! I had no idea it was based on monetary entitlement rather than guaranteed weeks. Do you know if there's a way to check exactly how the total benefit amount was calculated? I want to make sure I understand what I'm entitled to before my balance runs out completely.
Vanessa Figueroa
I'm dealing with the same login issues right now! I've tried everything - different browsers, clearing cache, typing password manually instead of autofill. The password reset emails aren't coming through either, even checked spam. This is so frustrating when you're trying to file your weekly claim on time. Has anyone tried calling during off-peak hours? Maybe early morning or late evening when fewer people are calling the NYS Department of Labor tech support line?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•I tried calling early morning around 8 AM and still waited over an hour, but it was definitely better than calling midday. Another thing that worked for me was trying to log in from a completely different device - like if you've been using your computer, try your phone instead. Sometimes the NYS Department of Labor system has device-specific issues. Also double-check that caps lock isn't on when typing your password, that got me once!
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Malik Johnson
I had a similar issue a couple months back and what finally worked for me was going to the NYS Department of Labor office in person. I know it's a hassle, but they were able to reset my account on the spot and I was back up and running the same day. If you have a local office nearby, it might be worth the trip instead of dealing with the phone lines. They can also help you file your weekly claim right there if you're running close to the deadline. Just bring your ID and any unemployment paperwork you have.
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Sofia Hernandez
•That's actually a great suggestion about going in person! I didn't even think about that option. Do you know if most NYS Department of Labor offices handle account issues or is it only certain locations? I'm worried about making the trip and finding out they can't help with login problems. Also, do you remember what hours they're open? I work during the day so I'd need to see if I can go during lunch or if they have evening hours.
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