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I had a similar situation where I couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to check on my contested claim status. After weeks of busy signals, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to real agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call myself.
Been through this twice now. Your employer can definitely make things difficult by contesting but NYS Department of Labor usually sides with the employee if you were legitimately laid off. Just make sure you have any documentation about your layoff and keep filing your weekly claims even during the adjudication process.
The whole unemployment system is such a mess honestly. They make it so complicated when people are already stressed about losing their jobs. But yeah you have to play their game and file immediately or you're screwed.
I had such a hard time getting through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about this stuff last year. Kept getting busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I needed to verify my claim details.
The whole system is set up so workers don't have to worry about the funding details. You pay into the system through your work, employers pay their share, and when you need benefits you file your claim. The NYS Department of Labor handles all the backend financial stuff between employers and the state fund.
Ugh the NYS Department of Labor forms are so confusing! I spent forever trying to figure out what they wanted for this question too. I ended up calling but couldn't get through to anyone - typical. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Way easier than sitting on hold for hours.
How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money while waiting for my claim to process.
Just be honest on the form. If you have any kind of supplemental insurance through work that covers accidents, sickness, or unemployment, report it. If you don't have any of these coverages (most people don't), then mark no. The workers' comp situation you mentioned is totally separate and wouldn't go in this section.
Zadie Patel
When you file your claim, make sure to explain exactly what happened - that it was an economic layoff due to the employer's inability to meet new wage requirements. Don't just put 'laid off' - be specific. Also keep any documentation from your employer about the layoff if they gave you anything in writing. NYS Department of Labor sometimes asks for additional information during the adjudication process.
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A Man D Mortal
The whole minimum wage situation is creating so many problems for small businesses. My friend owns a coffee shop and she's been struggling ever since the increases started. But you're right that workers shouldn't be penalized for economic decisions they had no control over. The unemployment system exists for exactly these situations.
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