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Just wanted to say I'm in the exact same boat - filed 3 weeks ago, employer contested, still waiting. At least we're not alone in this mess!
I went through this same situation last year and it's incredibly stressful! My claim took about 5 weeks to resolve when my employer contested it. A few tips that helped me: 1) Document everything - save emails, take screenshots of your claim status, keep records of all communication. 2) Check if your state has any emergency assistance programs while you wait. 3) Consider reaching out to your local unemployment office directly if possible - sometimes they can give you a better timeline estimate. Hang in there, the waiting is awful but most contested claims do get resolved eventually. Keep filing those weekly certifications no matter what!
Been there myself with a knee injury while unemployed. Key things: 1) Report the disability income on your weekly claims, 2) Make sure your job search focuses on positions you can actually do with your restrictions, 3) Keep all medical documentation, 4) Be honest when certifying for benefits. NYS Department of Labor processed mine without issues because I was upfront about everything from the start.
This is a great question and you're smart to ask before potentially creating issues. I work in HR and deal with these situations regularly. The key distinction is between being "totally disabled" versus having work restrictions. Since you can perform desk work and light duty, you're not totally disabled from all work. You absolutely must report your disability payments when filing weekly claims - NYS Department of Labor will likely reduce your unemployment benefits by the amount of disability income you receive. Keep detailed records of your job search efforts focusing specifically on positions that accommodate your restrictions (administrative, customer service, data entry, etc.). Your doctor's note about light duty work will be important documentation. Many people successfully navigate this situation, but transparency with NYSDOL from the start is crucial to avoid overpayment issues down the road.
unpopular opinion but sometimes its better to stick it out while looking for a new job. unemployment is such a headache rn
ez to say when ur not dealing with a toxic workplace 🤮
Just went through this exact situation! I quit due to hostile work environment and got approved. Key things that helped me: 1) I documented EVERYTHING - screenshots of nasty emails, wrote down verbal incidents with dates/times, 2) I filed immediately after quitting while everything was fresh, 3) When I got to speak with an agent (used that claimyr service mentioned above - totally worth it), I was very clear and factual about why I had "good cause" to quit. Don't give up if they initially deny you - the appeal process exists for a reason. Your mental health matters and NY does recognize constructive discharge situations. You got this! 💪
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status, I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get connected to an actual agent without sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when my claim was stuck in processing.
Interesting, I've never heard of that. Is it legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything if it means I can actually talk to someone.
Just went through this myself last month. No waiting week but took exactly 18 days from filing to first payment hitting my account. Make sure you have direct deposit set up or it takes even longer with the debit card they mail out.
Good tip about direct deposit! I'll double check that's set up correctly in my account.
18 days seems pretty typical from what I've seen. @ac0944eb9a44 since you're stressed about rent timing, you might want to contact your landlord now to give them a heads up about the delay. Most are understanding about unemployment situations if you communicate early.
Zoe Papanikolaou
BEWARE OF THE CAREER CENTER OPTION! I went there for the same thing in January and they told me they couldn't help with records before 2022!!! Wasted half a day for nothing. Rules might be different in different offices but don't get your hopes up. The system is DESIGNED to make things difficult.
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CosmicCruiser
•Thanks for the warning. Maybe I'll call the career center first to confirm if they can help with 2019 records before making the trip.
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CosmicCruiser
Update: I was able to get my 2019 denial letter! For anyone who might need this in the future, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an agent (took about 15 mins instead of hours of waiting). The agent was able to see my 2019 claim in their system and emailed me the determination letter within a few hours. My mortgage broker accepted it and we're moving forward. Thanks everyone for your help!
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StarStrider
•That's awesome! Congrats on getting it sorted out and moving forward with your mortgage. Good to know Claimyr actually worked - I might keep that in mind if I ever need to deal with NY unemployment again. Thanks for updating us with what worked!
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