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Also worth mentioning - if you're having trouble getting through to file by phone, try the online system first. It's usually faster and available 24/7. If you run into issues reaching NYS Department of Labor agents for questions, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me time instead of calling dozens of times myself.
just to add - there are actually a few states where employees DO pay into unemployment but NY is not one of them. i think its only like 3 states total including alaska and pennsylvania. so dont feel bad about not seeing it on your paystub, thats totally normal here!
This system has always frustrated me because it creates this adversarial relationship between workers and employers when it comes to unemployment claims. Employers have a financial incentive to deny legitimate claims, which is why so many people have to go through the whole appeals process with NYS Department of Labor even when they clearly qualify. It would make more sense if employees contributed something too so employers wouldn't have such a strong motivation to fight every claim.
I get the theory but the NYS Department of Labor system is so broken that being unemployed feels more like punishment than economic flexibility. My adjudication has been pending for weeks with no explanation.
The key thing to remember is that while some unemployment is structurally necessary for a healthy economy, that doesn't mean individual unemployment isn't challenging. You're still dealing with real financial stress even if your situation serves a broader economic function.
ugh the whole unemployment tax situation is such a mess. i remember getting that refund a few years back but it took FOREVER and they never explained anything clearly. typical government BS if you ask me
Just to clarify for everyone - unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor are taxable income. You should have received a 1099-G form showing how much you received. The only exception was the 2020 tax year federal exclusion that's already been processed. Make sure you're not missing any important tax deadlines!
Melissa Lin
Had issues reaching NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck because I missed some employment dates. Ended up using claimyr.com to get through to an agent - they have this system that calls you back when someone's available rather than waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.
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Lydia Santiago
•Never heard of that but might be worth it if you can't get through the regular way. The phone lines are always jammed.
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Lydia Santiago
Also have your alien registration number ready if you're not a US citizen, and be prepared to set up your weekly claim schedule right after filing your initial claim.
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