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Wait I'm confused - if you get fired do you still have to do the job search requirements? I thought that was only if you quit or got laid off. This whole unemployment thing is so complicated!!!
The whole system is ridiculous. I made $65K last year and only get $387 a week. Meanwhile my rent alone is $1,800 a month. How are we supposed to survive on these amounts while looking for work?
For anyone still confused about the calculation: NYS Department of Labor looks at your four highest quarters of earnings in your base period, adds them up to see if you qualify, then uses ONLY your single highest quarter to calculate the weekly amount. So if your highest quarter was $13,000, you'd get roughly $250 per week (13,000 ÷ 26 ÷ 2). The exact formula has some variations but that's the basic idea.
This whole situation is so frustrating!! The economy is clearly in bad shape but they're not doing anything to help people who can't find work. I've applied to over 200 jobs and gotten maybe 5 interviews. How are we supposed to survive on just 26 weeks when there are NO JOBS out there?
Keep in mind that even during recessions, you still need to meet all the regular requirements - filing weekly claims, documenting job searches, being available for work. The economic conditions don't change those basic UI rules. Make sure you're staying compliant while waiting to see if any extensions become available.
The NYS Department of Labor system is so frustrating!! I've been waiting 4 weeks for my claim to be approved and they keep asking for more documentation. First they wanted my separation letter, then they wanted proof of my previous wages, now they want something else. It's like they're trying to make it impossible to get benefits!
Carmen Reyes
Direct deposit has been available the whole time, but a lot of people get automatically enrolled in the debit card program and don't realize they can switch. Some accounts have restrictions though - if you have any overpayment issues or your claim is under review they might lock you into the debit card temporarily.
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CosmicCadet
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question! I had no idea I could switch and just set up direct deposit after reading this thread. should have done this months ago
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