


Ask the community...
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an agent quickly. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I needed to check on my claim status instead of calling for hours.
How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at our own state agency...
The whole system is a mess regardless of which county you're in. High unemployment areas probably mean more people fighting for the same crappy jobs AND more people filing claims. It's lose-lose everywhere in this state!!
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my benefit duration. Spent hours on hold just to get basic information. Recently found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
Just remember that even within those 26 weeks, NYS Department of Labor can stop your benefits if you're not meeting the work search requirements or if there are any issues with your claim. I know someone who got cut off at week 15 because they missed filing their weekly claim one time.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor about employer questions or need to discuss your account, you might want to check out claimyr.com. They help people get through to actual agents when the phone lines are backed up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it last month when I needed to clarify some reporting requirements and couldn't get through the regular employer hotline.
Also keep detailed records of everything - termination dates, reasons for separation, any disciplinary actions. NYS Department of Labor will request this information when processing claims and having organized documentation can help if you need to contest anything. The experience rating system typically looks at a 3-year window, so it takes time for your rates to improve after a bad year.
The whole system is ridiculous if you ask me. 26 weeks goes by FAST especially in this job market. I burned through my benefits last year and ended up having to take a job paying way less than what I was making before. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't care if you find something decent or not.
Alicia Stern
EMPLOYERS DO THIS ALL THE TIME!! They know most people won't fight it and will just give up. My company tried to say I was fired for attendance when I was actually laid off due to covid downsizing. I had to get a lawyer involved but eventually won my case. Don't let them get away with lying!
0 coins
Aria Park
•Did you have to pay the lawyer upfront or did they work on contingency? I can't afford legal fees right now.
0 coins
Gabriel Graham
same thing happened to my brother last year, his company said he was fired for being late too many times but he was actually laid off. he won his appeal tho so dont give up
0 coins