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I had this exact situation last year! NYS Department of Labor started taking my child support out after about 3 weeks. The amount was the same as when I was working but obviously it hit harder since unemployment is way less money. You might want to call your child support caseworker to discuss modification if the payments become too much.
Did you have any trouble reaching someone at child support enforcement? I've heard their phone lines are impossible to get through.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor or child support offices by phone, I've had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I needed to sort out my benefit deductions.
This whole system is ridiculous! They expect you to live on practically nothing while still taking out the same child support as if you're making full wages. How are we supposed to pay rent AND child support on $400 a week??
@Ethan Davis is right that kids need support, but @Aisha Abdullah raises a valid point about the financial strain. The system doesn t automatically'adjust for reduced income - you have to proactively request a modification through the court or child support office. It s definitely'worth looking into if your unemployment benefits are significantly less than your previous wages. The modification process can take time though, so don t wait'if you re struggling'to make ends meet.
just quit my job last month and got denied immediately... didn't know about the good cause thing. can i appeal or am i screwed?
The whole system is so unfair. They make it nearly impossible to prove 'good cause' unless you have perfect documentation. Most people don't think to document harassment when it's happening because they're just trying to survive the situation.
This is exactly my concern. I have some evidence but wish I had started documenting everything from the beginning.
@eb792822e6f9 Even if your documentation isn't perfect, it's still worth pursuing. I work in HR and I've seen cases where people successfully appealed with just a few key pieces of evidence - like emails showing unreasonable demands or witnesses who can testify about the hostile environment. The key is to be very specific about dates, incidents, and how it affected your ability to continue working. Don't let the imperfect documentation stop you from trying - the worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. Document everything you can remember now while it's still fresh, even if it's just your own written timeline of events.
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.
Emma Johnson
Just wanted to add that the rates can change if your state has outstanding federal loans. New York usually stays current so you get the full credit, but it's worth double-checking each year.
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Hiroshi Nakamura
This is really helpful information! I'm also dealing with payroll setup for a small business. One thing I'm wondering about - do these NYS Department of Labor rates apply from the very first employee you hire, or is there a minimum threshold? I know some states have exemptions for very small employers, but I want to make sure we're compliant from day one.
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