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I had a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication because they thought I quit but I was actually laid off. Couldn't reach anyone for weeks until someone told me about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Honestly saved me so much stress because I was about to lose my apartment.
Another big one people don't realize is if you're not a US citizen or don't have work authorization you can't get unemployment benefits. Also if you're in school full time that can disqualify you because you're not considered available for work. The rules are pretty strict about being able and available.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify specific rules, I found claimyr.com really helpful for getting through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to a real person helps clear up these policy questions better than trying to interpret the website.
The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing! I thought if you work part-time while collecting you lose all your benefits but apparently you can still get partial payments? And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - three contacts per week but only certain types count??
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific rate, I had luck using a 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. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed to verify my benefit calculation.
I had issues reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about this exact question last year. Kept getting disconnected when trying to verify our account status before filing federal taxes. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.
Geoff Richards
The NYS Department of Labor online system is a nightmare. Half the time it crashes right when you're submitting and you have to start over. Been dealing with this bureaucratic mess for weeks now. They make it deliberately complicated so people give up and don't file claims.
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Simon White
•I feel you on the frustration but the system has actually gotten better since they updated it last year. Still not perfect but way more stable than it used to be.
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Quinn Herbert
Few more tips for filling out the online application: 1) Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, 2) For wages, enter gross amount not net, 3) If you worked out of state during the base period you'll need to file an interstate claim, 4) Save screenshots of each page in case something goes wrong. The confirmation number at the end is super important - write it down immediately.
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Shelby Bauman
•This is so helpful, thank you! I didn't know about the interstate thing. I worked in New Jersey for 2 months last year, does that count?
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Quinn Herbert
•Yes, that would require an interstate claim. You'll need to contact both NYS Department of Labor and New Jersey to coordinate the claim properly.
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