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If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, there are services like Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can help you reach an agent faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. But the actual unemployment benefits themselves are always free - never pay for those!
Make sure he files as soon as possible after his last day of work! There's no waiting period in New York but you can't get benefits for any weeks before you file your claim. Also tell him not to stress too much about making mistakes on the application - he can always call to correct information later if needed.
ugh the whole system is such a mess. why can't they just have a simple form instead of making people jump through hoops on that terrible website
I think 2018 was when unemployment was at like historic lows? My cousin graduated college that year and actually had multiple job offers which was crazy compared to what people were dealing with a few years before that
The Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) website has excellent historical unemployment data for New York state going back decades. It's easier to navigate than the NYS Department of Labor site sometimes and you can download the data in different formats for your research.
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my eligibility during a professional licensing issue. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me get answers about my specific situation without waiting on hold forever.
The unemployment system is so frustrating with professional licenses! I'm a teacher and went through something similar with a certification issue. Just keep detailed records of everything you're doing to fix the license problem and all your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor wants to see you're making genuine efforts.
Oscar Murphy
honestly the whole system is set up to pay you as little as possible. i've been on unemployment twice and both times they found some excuse to delay my payments or question my eligibility. just expect them to make it difficult and document EVERYTHING. save all your job search logs, screenshot your weekly claim confirmations, keep records of any correspondence.
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Mia Roberts
•While the system can be frustrating, following the rules correctly usually prevents most issues. The documentation advice is solid though - always keep records of your weekly claims and job search activities.
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The Boss
One thing I learned - if you're thinking about going back to school, look into the training programs first before you start. Some programs can extend your benefits or even waive job search requirements while you're in approved training. But you have to get approval before you start the program.
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