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The whole system is messed up honestly. These small businesses get squeezed by wage mandates then workers like us get thrown under the bus. At least unemployment exists but the NYS Department of Labor makes it unnecessarily complicated to apply. Make sure you document EVERYTHING about your job loss because they'll question every detail.
File your claim immediately - don't wait! You can apply online through my.ny.gov and the process is pretty straightforward. The minimum wage amount doesn't matter for eligibility, only that you worked and earned wages. Since your employer cited financial reasons rather than performance issues, you should have a smooth approval process. Just be honest about the circumstances and keep records of your job search activities since you'll need to certify weekly that you're looking for work.
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.
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when my employer contested my claim and I needed to provide additional information. Kept getting busy signals for weeks. Finally used 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 showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get my questions answered.
The whole system is designed to confuse people and make them give up on benefits they've earned! I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and they keep changing the rules or giving different answers depending on who you talk to. 26 weeks, 104 days, partial this, partial that - it's all bureaucratic nonsense designed to save them money at our expense.
just went through this myself. its 26 weeks max, no extensions right now that i know of. make sure ur doing the job search requirements too or they'll cut u off
What are the current job search requirements? I thought since I'm still working part-time I might be exempt from those.
Drake
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!!!
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James Martinez
•Yes, you still need to meet job search requirements regardless of why you're unemployed. NYS Department of Labor requires you to actively look for work and document your job search activities for your weekly claims.
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Sarah Jones
Good luck! I was so worried when I got fired but the unemployment process was actually pretty straightforward. Just be honest about everything and keep all your documentation from your employer.
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