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If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor for any reason, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to their agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helpful when you can't get through the normal way.
For your paper, you might also want to look into the Wisconsin Unemployment Compensation Act of 1932 - it was actually the first state unemployment insurance law in the US, which helped inspire the federal Social Security Act a few years later. New York followed pretty quickly after the federal mandate. The NYS Department of Labor website has some good historical resources in their archives section if you need more detailed info for your research.
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to speak to someone about my travel nurse claim status. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting hung up on. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I needed to verify my employment history with multiple agencies.
The system is so messed up honestly. I know nurses who got denied because they didn't understand how to explain their employment situation properly. NYS Department of Labor doesn't make it easy for people with non-traditional work arrangements.
ugh tell me about it... i'm scared to even apply because what if they think i'm trying to game the system or something? even though i legitimately have gaps between assignments
at least you can still get benefits going forward though, better late than never i guess. just make sure you do those weekly certifications every week or you'll lose more money
I'm in a similar situation - got laid off in September and just filed last month. It's really frustrating to learn you can't get those lost weeks back, but I wanted to share something that might help going forward. Make sure when you certify each week that you're documenting all your job search activities properly. I learned the hard way that NYS DOL can ask for proof of your work search efforts and if you don't have good records, they can deny benefits even for current weeks. Keep a log of every application, contact, and interview. Also, don't forget to report any part-time or temporary work - even a few hours can affect your weekly benefit but it's better to report it than get caught later.
Thanks for sharing that advice about documenting job searches - I hadn't thought about keeping detailed records but that makes total sense. I've been doing some applications since filing but just kind of winging it. Do you know if there's a specific format NYS DOL wants for the job search log, or is it just as long as you have dates, company names, and what you did?
Honestly the whole unemployment system is set up wrong! How are new graduates supposed to survive if they can't get benefits because they never worked but they can't work because nobody will hire someone without experience?? Its like a catch 22 and the government doesn't care about helping young people get started
I was in a similar boat a couple years ago - graduated with no real work history and couldn't get UI benefits. One thing that helped me was applying for entry-level positions at temp agencies. Even short-term assignments start building your work history and get you W-2s that count toward future UI eligibility. Places like Kelly Services, Robert Half, and local staffing agencies often have admin, warehouse, or customer service roles that don't require much experience. It's not ideal but at least you're earning money while building the work history you'll need if you ever have to use unemployment benefits later. Plus some temp jobs turn into permanent positions.
Nathaniel Stewart
i remember when i first got unemployment in 2022 they were still sending paper checks lol. the keybank card is way better than that mess!
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Ethan Scott
•I actually would've preferred a paper check! At least I'd know exactly when it was coming in the mail. Oh well, I'll just have to be patient with this card system.
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Javier Morales
Just wanted to add that you can also track your card shipment! Once KeyBank processes your card (usually within 2-3 business days after you select the debit card option), they'll send you an email with tracking information. Check your spam folder too - mine ended up there. The tracking really helped ease my anxiety about when it would arrive. Also, if you're really in a pinch financially while waiting, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs in your area to help bridge the gap until your card arrives with those back payments.
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Pedro Sawyer
•Thank you so much for mentioning the tracking email! I had no idea that was available. I just checked my spam folder and sure enough, there's an email from KeyBank with tracking info that I completely missed. According to the tracking, my card should arrive tomorrow! This is such a relief - I was getting really worried about when it would show up. And thanks for the suggestion about local assistance programs too. It's good to know there are options if people are really struggling while waiting for their benefits.
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Margot Quinn
•This is exactly what I needed to hear! I just checked my spam folder and found the tracking email from KeyBank. My card is scheduled to arrive on Friday according to USPS tracking. I was starting to panic since it's been 6 business days, but seeing that it's actually on its way is such a huge relief. I really appreciate you mentioning the local assistance programs too - I didn't think about that option but it's good to know it's there if needed. Thanks for taking the time to share these helpful details!
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