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The whole system is so frustrating! They make it sound like there are all these safety nets but when you actually need them they're not available. I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact thing but their phone lines are always busy. Has anyone had luck actually talking to someone there recently?
I had the same problem trying to reach them about my claim status. Someone on here recommended using claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and decided to try it. Actually got connected to an agent within a few hours instead of spending days calling. They explained my whole situation and confirmed there aren't any extension programs available right now.
One thing that really helped us was implementing better hiring practices. Checking references more thoroughly and having a longer probationary period reduced our turnover, which obviously helps with the unemployment claims.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get information about contesting claims or understanding your tax rate calculation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold when I needed to contest a questionable claim last year.
I had such a hard time getting through to the NYS Department of Labor when I needed to check on my claim status after being fired. Spent hours on hold every day for a week. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation instead of just guessing from the website.
This whole minimum wage thing is such a mess. Companies just cut hours and workers end up worse off than before. At least unemployment benefits exist but it shouldn't have to come to that. NYS Department of Labor should do something about employers who use wage increases as an excuse to slash jobs.
Just make sure you keep documentation of your normal work schedule and any notices they give you about hour reductions. NYS Department of Labor will want to verify that the reduction wasn't voluntary. Also, you'll need to be available for work and continue job searching if you're on partial benefits, so keep that job search log updated even if you're still working reduced hours.
Ava Hernandez
File immediately after your last day of work. Don't listen to people who say you can't get unemployment if you're fired - that's not always true. I was terminated for what my employer called 'performance issues' and I received benefits for the full 26 weeks. The adjudication process took about 2 weeks but it was approved. Just be honest on your application about the circumstances.
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Isabella Martin
ugh the whole system is such a mess... they make it so hard to figure out if you even qualify. but yeah definitely try filing anyway, what's the worst that can happen?
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Faith Kingston
•Exactly - there's no penalty for filing a claim that gets denied for eligibility reasons. Better to try and get approved than not file at all and struggle financially.
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