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The NYS Department of Labor has a benefit calculator on their website but honestly it's not super accurate. I was getting way less than what it estimated because of some weird calculation with my base period. Had to call them multiple times to figure out why my amount was lower than expected. If you're having trouble getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor, I actually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of calling.
The financial stress definitely compounds the emotional effects. Even with UI benefits, most people take a significant income cut. This creates a cycle where money worries make it harder to present confidently in interviews, which prolongs the unemployment period. If you're struggling with the reduced income, look into other assistance programs - food assistance, utility help, etc. Don't let pride prevent you from accessing resources that can reduce the financial pressure and help you focus on your job search.
honestly unemployment saved my sanity lol. was working 70 hour weeks at a toxic job and getting laid off was the best thing that happened. used my NYS Department of Labor time to completely switch careers. sometimes unemployment is exactly what you need even if it doesnt feel like it at the time
wait so if you quit you can still get unemployment?? I thought only if you got fired or laid off. this changes everything because my manager has been making my life hell too but I've been scared to leave because I need the benefits
this whole system is so confusing for students!! why dont they make it clearer what the requirements are before you waste time filing
Nalani Liu
ugh the whole system is so confusing!! how can unemployment go UP when more people have jobs?? makes no sense to me but then again nothing about dealing with government agencies ever does
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Isaiah Sanders
•I know it seems counterintuitive, but it's really about the pool of people looking for work expanding. The NYS Department of Labor has to count everyone who's actively searching, whether they just lost a job or just decided to start working again.
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Axel Bourke
Just went through this with my unemployment claim. When I called NYS Department of Labor to ask about job search requirements, they mentioned that periods like this actually mean they're more strict about the work search documentation since opportunities exist. If you need to reach them for questions, I had luck using claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual agents instead of sitting on hold forever. There's a demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Fidel Carson
•Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I need to contact them about filing a claim.
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