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The system is so messed up honestly. They make it nearly impossible to prove good cause unless you have a lawyer or something. I quit because my boss was sexually harassing me and they STILL denied my claim initially. Had to appeal and it took 3 months total to get approved. Save yourself the headache and try to get fired instead if possible.
yeah my cousin quit her job last year and got unemployment no problem, just told them she had to quit for personal reasons or something. not sure why everyone's making it sound so complicated lol
I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. A friend recommended trying claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Ended up being really helpful for getting my questions answered about wage calculations.
Just to add - even if your employer goes out of business or stops paying their unemployment taxes, you're still covered. The state has systems in place to handle those situations. Your benefits come from the unemployment insurance fund that all employers pay into, not from your specific employer's account.
File ASAP! You have to file within like 30 days or something and there's a waiting week anyway. Even if you're not sure if you qualify, just file and let NYS Department of Labor sort it out.
The system is so confusing though. I got fired from my retail job for 'attitude problems' whatever that means and my claim is still pending after 2 weeks. How do they even decide these things? Do they call your old boss?
Vanessa Chang
Make sure you have your bank account info ready too for direct deposit setup. Also heads up - after you file your initial claim you'll need to do job search activities and report them when you file your weekly claims. NYS Department of Labor requires you to look for work unless you're on standby status.
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Connor Murphy
•How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? And what counts as job search activities?
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Madison King
Job search requirements are 3 work search activities per week unless you're in a union with a hiring hall or have return-to-work date within 10 weeks. Activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking training courses. Keep detailed records of everything you do.
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