ugh dealing with ny unemployment is like pulling teeth fr

Pro tip: download the NY Labor mobile app if you haven't already. It's way more reliable than the website and you can set push notifications to remind you to certify. Saved my butt multiple times when the main site was down on Sunday!

I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for years with my business and getting through to them when you have questions is nearly impossible. If you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually gets you connected to NYS Department of Labor agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Just wanted to add that the rules can vary slightly if you're in certain industries. For example, agricultural employers have different thresholds - they need to pay UI taxes if they pay $20,000 or more in wages in any calendar quarter, or if they employ 10 or more workers for some portion of at least one day in each of 20 different weeks. Also, domestic service employers (like if you hire a nanny or housekeeper) have their own rules too. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your type of business when you register!

From what I understand, NYS Department of Labor processes intercept orders pretty quickly once they receive them from child support enforcement. The bigger delay is usually on the child support side - getting the paperwork processed and submitted. You should be able to call your caseworker and ask for a status update on when exactly they submitted the order to unemployment.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. The intercept took about 3 weeks once child support enforcement actually submitted the order to NYS DOL, but here's what I wish someone had told me: keep detailed records of everything. Document when you contacted child support enforcement, when they said they submitted the order, and follow up weekly. Also, in NY they can typically take up to 65% of unemployment benefits for child support, but it depends on if there are other garnishments. The amount varies based on his benefit amount and what's considered necessary for his basic living expenses. Hang in there - it's frustrating but once it starts, at least you'll get something consistently.

Make sure your employer fills out the standby paperwork correctly!! My company messed up the dates on mine and it caused a whole mess with my claim being put into adjudication. Took 3 weeks to sort out.

I went through something similar during a company merger last year. One thing to watch out for - make sure you understand exactly when your benefits week starts and ends. I made the mistake of not filing immediately when my separation began because I thought I had to wait, and it delayed my first payment. Also, keep all the documentation your HR gives you about the standby status - you might need to upload it to your online account or fax it to the department. The whole process was actually smoother than I expected once I got the paperwork right.

Also keep in mind that if you do owe money, you have appeal rights. Don't just accept an overpayment determination if you think it's wrong. You have 30 days from the notice date to file an appeal with supporting documentation.

I was in a similar situation last year and the anxiety was terrible! One thing that really helped me was calling the Overpayment Unit directly at 1-888-209-8124. They can tell you right over the phone if there's any overpayment on your account without you having to wait for a notice. The hold times can be long but it's worth it for peace of mind. Also, if you do find out you owe money, ask about a waiver - sometimes if it was their error or there were extenuating circumstances, they'll waive part or all of the overpayment.