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DON'T FORGET TO FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS! I missed one week because I thought since I was approved the payments would just come automatically. WRONG. Had to call and explain and it was a nightmare. You have to certify every single week that you're still unemployed and looking for work.
The first payment usually takes longer than the rest, mine took almost two weeks but after that it was pretty regular. Make sure you have all your job search documentation ready too because they can audit you at any time.
What kind of documentation do they want for job searches? I've been applying to places but not really keeping detailed records.
You need to keep records of where you applied, when you applied, and what type of job it was. I keep a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and how I applied (online, in person, etc.). NYS requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week. They can ask for this documentation anytime so it's better to be prepared from the start!
When I bought my house in 2019 my mortgage broker mentioned unemployment insurance but I declined it because it seemed expensive at the time. Now I wish I had gotten it! Make sure you're also doing your weekly job search requirements for NYS Department of Labor - missing those can mess up your benefits. You need to document 3 job contacts per week and they're stricter about it now than they used to be.
I'm in a similar situation and found that some credit unions offer better mortgage protection options than big banks. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for any utility assistance programs while you're on NYS Department of Labor benefits - many utility companies have hardship programs that can free up some money for your mortgage. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance programs in your area. They helped me find food assistance which reduced my grocery budget and gave me more room for housing costs.
wait so if I understand this right - if I get laid off again next year I'd have to wait a whole year before I can file for another 26 weeks? or can you file again right away if you worked enough after your last claim?
Just wanted to add that you should also keep in mind that NY has a "waiting week" - the first week you file usually doesn't get paid, but it does count toward establishing your claim. So even though you get 26 weeks of payments, you'll actually be filing for 27 weeks total. Also, make sure you're keeping detailed records of your job search activities from day one because they can ask for that information at any time during your claim period. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log after week 10 and I had to scramble to reconstruct everything.
This is really helpful info about the waiting week! I didn't realize there was a difference between filing weeks and payment weeks. So basically I'll file 27 times but only get paid for 26 of those weeks? And good point about keeping detailed job search records from the beginning - I've just been writing down company names but sounds like I should be more thorough with dates, contact methods, etc.
This whole system is a mess. They make it so confusing on purpose so people don't claim what they're owed. I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and still don't have clear answers about my eligibility.
I'm in a similar situation - working in hospitality and my hours got cut from full-time to about 15 hours a week. I was scared to file because I thought you had to be completely unemployed, but after reading these responses I'm definitely going to apply for partial benefits. @Liam Mendez - from what I've researched, you do still need to do job search activities even on partial unemployment, but the requirements might be reduced since you're still working. You should check the specific requirements when you file your claim. Don't wait like I did!
Dylan Cooper
The whole unemployment tax thing is such a mess. Like they give you money when you're broke and then want some of it back for taxes. At least now I know for next time to have them take out taxes automatically if I ever need unemployment again.
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GalacticGuru
•It's definitely frustrating but unemployment is considered income replacement, so it makes sense that it's taxed like regular wages. The key is knowing ahead of time so you can plan for it.
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CosmicVoyager
If you're worried about owing a large amount, you might want to use a tax calculator online to estimate what you'll owe based on your total income for the year. Also, if you can't pay the full amount when you file, the IRS does offer payment plans - both short-term (120 days or less) and long-term installment agreements. Don't panic, but definitely don't ignore it either. File your return on time even if you can't pay the full amount to avoid additional penalties.
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