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ugh the whole system is so confusing... why can't they just make it clear what counts as what?? i'm dealing with three different agencies right now and they all want different information about my unemployment benefits
I totally feel your frustration! Each agency has their own forms and definitions. What helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet with my monthly UI amounts and dates - then I could just reference it for any application. Also, most agencies have a "benefits verification" section on their websites where you can print official statements if needed.
I went through this exact same situation a few months ago when applying for rental assistance. Yes, you absolutely need to report your unemployment benefits as they are considered public benefits for reporting purposes. I was initially hesitant too, but my caseworker explained that being transparent is always the best approach. The good news is that most housing assistance programs understand that unemployment is temporary and shows you're actively seeking work. They typically look more favorably on UI recipients compared to other benefit programs since it demonstrates recent work history. Don't stress too much about it affecting your other applications - being honest upfront will save you headaches later if they discover the income through their verification processes anyway.
I'm in a similar situation - filed my appeal in mid-October and still waiting. What's really frustrating is that I can't even get basic information about where my case stands in the queue. The online portal just shows "appeal received" with no additional details or estimated timeline. I've tried calling multiple times but either get disconnected after hours on hold or told they can't provide any status updates. Meanwhile, bills keep piling up and I'm burning through what little savings I had. The whole system feels designed to wear you down until you just give up. Has anyone had any luck getting updates through the online message center in their NY.gov account?
I feel your pain - the lack of transparency in their system is maddening! I haven't had any luck with the online message center either. It's been completely silent on my end since I filed. The fact that we can't even get a basic status update or queue position is ridiculous. I'm also burning through savings and the stress is overwhelming. It really does feel like they're hoping we'll just give up and go away. Stay strong though - from what others have shared here, it seems like most people eventually do get their hearings, it just takes way longer than it should.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed my appeal in late September and still haven't heard anything back! It's now been over 3 months and I'm starting to panic. Like everyone else here, I keep getting the runaround when I try to call. The stress of not knowing when (or if) I'll get my hearing while watching my bank account drain is just brutal. Reading through all these responses though, it sounds like the 10-14 week timeline that Sofia mentioned is unfortunately the new reality. I'm going to try calling that direct Appeals Board number she shared tomorrow. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know this delay isn't just happening to me and that there's still hope of eventually getting through the system.
I'm so sorry you're going through this too! It's reassuring but also frustrating to see we're all dealing with the same nightmare. I filed around the same time as you (early October) and also haven't heard anything. The financial stress is the worst part - I never expected to be waiting this long when they said 4-6 weeks in the determination letter. Definitely try that Appeals Board number Sofia shared - I'm planning to call it first thing tomorrow morning too. Maybe we'll both get some answers finally! Hang in there, it sounds like most people do eventually get their hearings even if it takes way longer than it should.
Your weekly benefit rate is calculated as 1/26th of your highest quarter earnings during your base period, up to the maximum of $504. The minimum weekly benefit is $104. So if your highest quarter was $6,800 like you mentioned, that would be about $261 per week before any partial earnings deductions. You'll also need to meet the work search requirements and file weekly claims to maintain eligibility.
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my benefit calculation for weeks but their phone lines are always busy. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there? I keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever.
I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents when you can't reach them yourself. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it last month and finally got my benefit questions answered after weeks of failed attempts.
The whole system is so frustrating! I qualified for like $180 a week which barely covers anything these days. Meanwhile my friend who worked construction gets the max $504. It's not fair how they calculate these things based on your previous job when some industries just pay less.
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask this exact question! Their phone lines are always busy and I keep getting hung up on. It's so frustrating when you just need a simple answer about reporting requirements.
I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually get you through to real NYS Department of Labor agents on the phone. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was skeptical at first but it really helped me get answers about my specific claim issues without waiting on hold for hours.
Just want to add that while 401k withdrawals don't affect your UI benefits, you should really consider if this is the best option. The penalties and taxes can be brutal, plus you're losing years of compound growth. Maybe look into hardship loans from your 401k first?
Gianni Serpent
Just wanted to update - I did exactly what you suggested and reported my work start date on my weekly claim. The system automatically ended my benefit year and sent me a confirmation. No issues at all!
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Madison Tipne
•That's great to hear! I'm going to do the same thing. Thanks for confirming it worked smoothly.
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Dylan Cooper
I was in the exact same situation a few months ago! The key is to file your weekly claim one more time and report your first day of work and any earnings from that week. The system will automatically close your claim once you report the work. Don't worry about accidentally collecting benefits you're not entitled to - as long as you report your work honestly when you file, you'll be fine. I was also paranoid about overpayments but everything worked out smoothly when I followed this process.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•That's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing! I was definitely being paranoid about the overpayment issue. It sounds like the system is designed to handle this situation properly when you report honestly. I'll file my weekly claim with my work start date and earnings. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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