New York Unemployment
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Do employees pay into unemployment insurance in New York - confused about NYS Department of Labor deductions
I just started a new job and noticed there's no line item on my paystub for unemployment insurance. My coworker said employees don't pay into UI in most states but I'm seeing conflicting info online. Does anyone know if we pay into unemployment insurance as employees in New York? I want to make sure my employer is handling this correctly and that I'll be covered if something happens.
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When to file new NY unemployment claim if returning to work October 13th?
I've been collecting NY unemployment for a few months but I'm scheduled to go back to work on October 13th. I just did my weekly certification on my existing claim yesterday. Should I file a new claim now or wait until after I start working again? I'm confused about the timing since I'll still be unemployed for another 2 weeks. Don't want to mess anything up by filing too early or too late!
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One thing to add - make sure you keep all your unemployment documentation (award letter, payment records, etc.) even after you return to work. I learned this the hard way when I had to file taxes the following year and couldn't find my 1099-G form. The IRS considers unemployment benefits taxable income, so you'll need those records come tax season. Also, if you ever need to apply for certain benefits or loans in the future, having that employment gap documented properly can be helpful.
How long can I claim unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just started collecting unemployment after getting laid off from my retail job last month. My cousin told me you can only get benefits for like 6 months but my neighbor said it depends on how long you worked. I'm really confused about how long I can actually claim unemployment benefits in NY. Does anyone know the real answer? I worked at the same store for almost 2 years before they let me go due to budget cuts.
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Just adding my 2 cents - definitely keep track of EVERYTHING. Job applications, networking events, career fairs, even informational interviews can count as job contacts. The more detailed your records the better. I made a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact methods, and follow-up actions. NYS Department of Labor wants to see that you're making genuine efforts to find work.
@Amara Chukwu - Since you worked for 2 years at the same job, you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks of benefits in New York. Your cousin and neighbor were both partially right - it is typically 26 weeks (about 6 months), but it does depend on your work history during the "base period" which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. The key things to remember: file your weekly claims on time every week, keep detailed records of at least 3 job search activities per week (applications, networking, interviews, etc.), and be available for work. Don't stress too much about the paperwork - it becomes routine after the first few weeks. You've got this!
Does my employer pay for my NY unemployment benefits or get fined when I file a claim?
I'm planning to file for NY unemployment next week but worried about how it affects my former employer. Do they have to directly pay for my benefits? Or do they get fined when I file? My boss was pretty mad when I got laid off and mentioned something about how it would "cost them" if I filed for unemployment. I worked there for 3 years and was laid off due to budget cuts - totally not my fault. Just wondering if this is something that could cause problems with them giving me a reference later.
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btw did u get ur official termination letter yet? MAKE SURE it says layoff due to budget cuts! my friend got screwed bc her letter said something about "performance" even tho her boss told her verbally it was budget cuts. get everything in writing!!
Yes I have the letter and checked it carefully - it definitely says "position eliminated due to departmental budget reductions" so I should be covered. Good advice though!
Just wanted to add some reassurance here - I went through this exact situation last year when my company had layoffs. My manager also made comments about how filing would "hurt the company," but I filed anyway because I needed the benefits. Nothing happened to me in terms of references or retaliation. In fact, when I contacted them months later for a reference for a new job, they were completely professional about it. The reality is that most employers understand layoffs happen and unemployment is part of the deal. The good employers won't hold it against you, and the bad ones... well, you probably don't want their reference anyway! You paid into this system through your work, so don't let anyone guilt you out of using it when you legitimately need it.
How long do you have to sign up for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I got laid off from my retail job about 10 days ago and I'm just now finding out I should probably file for unemployment. I've been putting it off because I thought I might find something quickly but no luck so far. Is there a deadline for when you have to apply for unemployment benefits? I'm worried I might have waited too long already and missed my chance. The NYS Department of Labor website is confusing and I can't figure out if there's a cutoff date or something.
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If you're having trouble getting through to file your claim online, I had success using Claimyr to connect with a NYS Department of Labor agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.
Never heard of this but honestly might try it. I've been trying to call for days about a different issue with my claim.
just file online its not that hard people make it way more complicated than it needs to be
I tried but kept getting error messages when I was entering my employment history. That's part of why I've been putting it off.
@Charlotte Jones I had the same issue with error messages! Try clearing your browser cache and cookies first, then use Chrome or Firefox instead of Safari if you were using that. Also make sure you have all your employment info ready - exact dates, employer addresses, reason for separation, etc. The system is really picky about formatting. If it still doesn t'work, try filing during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening when fewer people are on the system.
Adaline Wong
Just to add - even though you don't pay into it directly, you do 'earn' unemployment benefits by working and having your employer pay those taxes on your behalf. So you're still building up eligibility even without direct contributions from your paycheck.
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Gabriel Ruiz
That's a good point. I always wondered how the system worked since we don't pay in directly but still earn benefits.
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Miguel Alvarez
This thread is really helpful! I'm new to NY from California and was worried I was missing something when I didn't see UI deductions. It's actually kind of nice that we don't have that extra deduction from our paychecks here. Does anyone know roughly what percentage employers pay? Just curious how the funding works on their end.
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