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THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS SO MESSED UP FOR STUDENTS! They make it seem like we don't deserve benefits even though we've been working and paying taxes. I had to fight for weeks to get my claim approved because they kept questioning my availability.
@CosmicCruiser definitely apply! I'm also a SUNY student and successfully got unemployment benefits last year when my restaurant job cut hours. The key things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed records of your work history and wages, 2) Be clear about your availability (I put down evenings/weekends around my class schedule), 3) Start your job search immediately and document everything. The retail experience you have makes you very employable. Don't let anyone discourage you - you paid into the system and you're entitled to benefits if you meet the requirements, which it sounds like you do.
Just wanted to add that even if your employer claims misconduct, you should still file for benefits right away. Don't let their accusation stop you from applying. NYS Department of Labor will investigate and make their own determination based on the facts, not just what your employer says.
I went through something similar last year when I was fired from my retail job. My employer claimed misconduct but NYS Department of Labor approved my benefits after reviewing the facts. The key thing to remember is that misconduct has to be willful and work-related - being late due to circumstances beyond your control (like train delays) usually doesn't qualify. When you have your interview, be honest about what happened and explain that you had no control over the transportation issues. Also mention that you weren't given any warnings or progressive discipline. Document everything you can about the train delays from those specific dates if possible. Don't give up if they initially deny it - the appeal process exists for situations exactly like yours.
why tf do we even need this ID.me garbage?? the normal verification system worked fine before. this is just adding unnecessary steps to an already broken system. ny unemployment just making things worse 🤡
Just went through this exact same thing last week! What finally worked for me was using a different device entirely. I kept getting stuck in loops on my laptop, but when I switched to my tablet and used the Chrome browser, everything went smoothly. Also make sure you're not using any VPN or ad blockers - those seemed to mess with the verification process. The whole thing is super frustrating but once you get through it, your payments should start up again within a few days. Hang in there!
idk if this helps but my roomate got a notification saying his card was sent out and it actually showed up 2 days later... but my other friend waited 3 weeks for hers. Its totally unpredictable with ny unemployment 🤷♀️
I'm in a similar situation - my card was supposedly mailed last Friday and I'm also stressed about rent! From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like it's completely random. Some people get it in 3-4 days, others wait weeks. The informed delivery suggestion is smart - just signed up for that too. If it doesn't show by early next week, I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that multiple people mentioned. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 🤞
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's weirdly comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this stress right now. The randomness of the delivery times is so frustrating - like how can two people in the same building get such different wait times?? I'm definitely going to give it until Tuesday before I start panicking and try the Claimyr thing. Fingers crossed for both of us! 🤞
Freya Johansen
Just wanted to share my experience - I was on unemployment from Nov 2022 until March 2023. I had taxes taken out of every payment. When I did my taxes (early filer here), I definitely had to report the unemployment income and pay taxes on it. Your brother might be thinking of the special exemption they had during covid, but that's been gone for a while now.
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Eli Butler
Just to add some clarity here - I work as a tax preparer and can confirm that unemployment benefits are absolutely taxable for 2023. The COVID-era exemption (which was up to $10,200 for 2020 only) is long gone. NY takes out 10% federal withholding plus state taxes. You can opt out of withholding in your online account, but I STRONGLY advise against it unless you're setting aside money yourself. I've seen too many clients get hit with massive tax bills they couldn't afford. Better to have it taken out now and potentially get a small refund than owe thousands later. Also, if you're having trouble reaching DOL by phone, there are legitimate callback services that can help - just make sure you're using reputable ones.
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