


Ask the community...
The whole workforce registration thing is such a pain. Like we don't have enough to worry about when we're unemployed! I spent THREE HOURS at my local office just to fill out paperwork that could have been done online. The system is broken.
@Ayla Kumar - I just went through this process last month! You can do most of it online through the NY.gov website. Search for "OSOS" (One Stop Operating System) and create an account there. You'll need to complete your profile, upload your resume, and take some basic skills assessments. The only thing I had to do in person was attend a brief orientation session, but some counties are still doing those virtually. Make sure to do this ASAP - they can put a hold on your benefits if you don't complete it within the required timeframe. The whole online portion took me about 2 hours to complete.
I'm going through something similar right now - my daycare suddenly raised their rates by 60% and I just can't afford it on my current salary. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor does consider "compelling family circumstances" which can include sudden loss of childcare arrangements. The important thing is documenting that you're actively looking for solutions and that the available options are genuinely unaffordable relative to your income. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of every childcare option I've contacted with their costs and availability. Also, make sure to communicate everything in writing with your employer - emails are your friend here. Even if they terminate you, having that paper trail showing you tried to work with them could really help your case. Hang in there!
Wait so if it said 'reversed' that would be good for us? I'm dealing with my own appeal right now and want to know what to look for
I work as a paralegal and deal with unemployment appeals regularly. Just to clarify the terminology for everyone - when an appeal decision says "affirmed," it means the administrative law judge upheld (agreed with) the original Department of Labor determination. So unfortunately, your appeal was denied. However, unsafe working conditions can be tricky to prove - you typically need contemporaneous documentation like written complaints to supervisors, safety violation reports, witness statements, or medical records if you were injured. If you have additional evidence that wasn't considered in your hearing, the Appeal Board might be worth pursuing. The 30-day deadline is strict though, so don't wait if you're going to appeal.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST CONTRACTORS! Companies do this on purpose to avoid paying unemployment taxes and then workers get screwed when there's no work. File the claim and FIGHT the classification if you have to.
You should definitely file a claim even as a 1099 contractor. New York has been cracking down on misclassification lately, especially in construction. The key test is whether you had control over your work or if they controlled when, where, and how you did it. If they set your schedule, provided tools, and dictated your methods, that sounds more like an employee relationship regardless of what the paperwork says. The Department of Labor will investigate and make a determination. Even if you don't qualify for regular UI, there might be other programs available. Don't let the 1099 classification discourage you from applying.
Lara Woods
Have you tried calling the disability office directly? Different department than regular unemployment
0 coins
Nathan Kim
•Been trying but cant get through. Lines always busy
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•Use claimyr.com for disability office too. Works for all ny govt numbers
0 coins
Freya Collins
Hey Nathan! Sorry to hear about your situation. Since you mentioned the accident prevented you from working, you should definitely look into NY State Disability Insurance (SDI) - it's separate from unemployment and designed exactly for situations like yours. You can apply online at ny.gov or call their disability line. Make sure to have your medical records and doctor's statement ready showing you're unable to work due to the accident. The good news is you can potentially get both back pay and ongoing benefits while you recover. Don't give up!
0 coins