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The unemployment system is so messed up!! They expect you to stay in jobs where you're being mistreated just so you can qualify for benefits. It's ridiculous that people have to choose between their mental health and being able to pay bills.
yeah my cousin quit her job and got unemployment but that was like 3 years ago so maybe things changed? not sure about the rules now
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.
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
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.
The NYS Department of Labor system is SO broken. They'll find any excuse to deny claims these days. I got denied initially because they said I 'abandoned my job' when I was actually laid off due to COVID cutbacks. Had to appeal and wait 3 months for a hearing. Even when you're clearly eligible they make it impossible.
Don't panic yet. If you were truly laid off and have 14 months of work history, you should be fine. The key things to watch for: make sure you file your weekly claims on time, keep detailed job search records (you need 3 employer contacts per week), and respond immediately to any requests for information. Most denials happen because people miss deadlines or don't provide required documentation.
3 employer contacts per week seems like a lot! Do online applications count or do I need to actually talk to people?
Yara Nassar
Don't forget about the work search requirements! You need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep detailed records. NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time. This includes applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, or networking activities. Missing this requirement can get your benefits stopped.
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Keisha Robinson
basically if youre not working full time and its not your fault you probably qualify. just make sure you file your weekly claims on time and report any work you do
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