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THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED ANYWAY! Employers pay these tiny taxes compared to what workers need when they lose their jobs. Then they fight every claim to keep their rates low. Don't worry about your boss - worry about getting what you deserve!!!
Just to add some detail - your employer pays unemployment insurance taxes based on their "experience rating" which looks at their history of layoffs and claims. So while they're not paying for your specific benefits right now, companies that lay off workers more frequently do end up paying higher rates over time. It's designed to encourage stable employment while still providing the safety net you need. Don't let worry about your employer stop you from filing - this is exactly what the system is for!
Also make sure you file your claim as soon as possible! There's no waiting period in NY but you can't get benefits for weeks before you file. Even if you're not 100% sure about eligibility, it's better to file and let NYS Department of Labor make the determination than to wait and lose potential benefit weeks.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though you were laid off due to budget cuts (which should qualify you), NYS Department of Labor will still verify the reason for separation with your employer. Make sure you have any documentation from your layoff - like a termination letter or email - in case there are any discrepancies. Also, if you received any severance pay, that might affect when your benefits start, so be sure to report it when you file. With your work history and earnings, you should definitely be eligible, so don't hesitate to apply!
Been through this process twice unfortunately. Your employer will get a notice from NYS Department of Labor about your claim and they have the opportunity to respond if they want to contest it. Since you were laid off due to lack of work, they probably won't contest it. That's considered involuntary separation and you should qualify for benefits.
Nathan, since you were laid off due to lack of work rather than any performance issues, you should be in good shape for your unemployment claim. Keep all documentation from your layoff - any emails, letters, or notices about the reduction in workforce. This will help if there are any questions about your eligibility. Also, make sure to file your weekly certifications on time once your claim is approved. The NYS DOL is pretty backlogged, so be patient but persistent if you need to follow up on anything.
I'm in the exact same situation right now! Just got my first payment yesterday and the agent told me the same thing about waiting for DocuSign. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like anywhere from 7 days to 3 weeks is normal. I've already added ny.gov to my email whitelist and set up notifications on my phone so I don't miss it when it comes. The 48-hour expiration that @QuantumQueen mentioned is scary - I'll definitely complete it immediately. Really hoping mine comes through on the faster side since I'm also behind on bills after 2 months of waiting. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines, it helps to know what to expect!
Welcome to the waiting game! I'm actually in a similar boat - got my first payment scheduled for Monday but also only one week. It's so frustrating that they can't just release everything at once, but at least we're making progress. Good thinking on the email notifications - I'm going to do the same thing. The stories here are making me realize I need to be way more vigilant about checking my email than I normally am. Fingers crossed we both get our DocuSign emails sooner rather than later!
I just went through this exact process last month! Got my first payment on a Tuesday and the DocuSign email came exactly 9 days later (the following Thursday evening around 8pm). One thing I wish someone had told me - when you get the DocuSign, read through it carefully before signing. There are multiple sections and you need to scroll down to make sure you complete everything. I almost missed the identity verification part at the bottom and had to go back in. My back pay (5 weeks) came through as two separate deposits - 3 weeks on the first payment and 2 weeks three days later. Total time from DocuSign completion to getting all my money was about a week. Hang in there! I know the waiting is brutal but you're almost there. The fact that you got your first payment means your claim is approved and the rest should follow soon.
Amara Okonkwo
Just wanted to say keep your head up! I know 6 weeks feels like forever when you're stressed about money. My fact finding took about 5 weeks but once it was approved everything moved quickly. The back pay really helped catch up on everything I'd fallen behind on.
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Paolo Conti
I'm in a similar situation - filed in January after being laid off from my retail job and I'm now at week 8 of fact finding. What's really frustrating is that I called my former manager and they confirmed they already responded to NYSDOL weeks ago saying it was a clear layoff due to store closure. Yet my case is still "pending determination." I've been surviving on savings but that's almost gone now. Has anyone had luck reaching out to their local assemblyperson or senator's office? I heard they sometimes have caseworkers who can help push these things along when they're taking unreasonably long.
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Edison Estevez
•That's a great suggestion about contacting your assemblyperson or senator! I hadn't thought of that but it makes sense they would have people who can help navigate state agency issues. 8 weeks is definitely unreasonable, especially when your employer already confirmed it was a layoff. You might also try documenting everything - dates you submitted paperwork, when your employer responded, etc. Having a timeline could help when you reach out for assistance. I really hope you get some movement on your case soon!
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