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I've been through the system multiple times and honestly the hardest part is dealing with NYS Department of Labor when something goes wrong. The phone lines are always busy and if your claim gets stuck in adjudication you might wait weeks without pay. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration last time I had issues.
The thing people don't realize is that unemployment isn't just free money - you're required to actively look for work and document your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor can audit your claims and if you haven't been searching properly, they can make you pay benefits back. It's insurance against involuntary job loss, not a vacation fund.
The whole system is a nightmare tbh. Even when you do everything right they find ways to delay your payments or question your eligibility. Just be prepared for a lot of bureaucratic BS and keep detailed records of everything you do.
Look I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about reporting work questions and ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent was able to walk me through exactly how to report my part-time work correctly and what would happen to my benefits. Worth checking out if you can't get through on the phone yourself.
That sounds really helpful! I've been trying to call for days but keep getting disconnected. Did they charge you anything to use it?
just be honest about everything and you'll be fine, the system is set up to catch people who try to cheat but if you report your work they usually just reduce your benefits for that week
Wait so the employer pays the federal unemployment tax rate but we still have to pay taxes on the benefits we receive? That seems like double taxation to me. The whole system is designed to screw over working people.
Nora Bennett
yeah the unemployment rate being low is actually annoying because now they expect you to find work faster. but like the benefits are still there if you qualify so might as well use them while you look
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Ryan Andre
Low unemployment doesn't mean good jobs are easy to find - just that more people are working, often multiple part-time jobs with no benefits. Don't let statistics discourage you from claiming benefits you've earned through your work history. The NYS Department of Labor system exists for exactly these situations.
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The Boss
•You're absolutely right, most of the 'available jobs' I'm seeing are minimum wage retail with terrible schedules. I need time to find something in my field.
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