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The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim being stuck in adjudication and their phone lines are always busy. You call and get disconnected constantly. It's like they don't want to help people.
How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to reach our own government agency.
Just make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still processing. Missing a week can cause delays in your payments later. And NEVER lie about working or earning money - they cross-reference with employment records and you'll get hit with an overpayment demand.
If you're having trouble getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to verify your benefit amounts or get documentation, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) when I needed to talk to an agent about my 1099-G form. They help you actually reach a human at the unemployment office instead of sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.
Just to add - make sure you're looking at the right tax year when reporting. If you received unemployment in 2024, that goes on your 2025-2026 FAFSA. If it was 2023 benefits, it should have been on your current FAFSA. The timing can get confusing especially if you were collecting UI across multiple calendar years.
One thing to know is that if you have trouble getting through on the phone to NYS Department of Labor, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you get connected to an agent faster. I found out about it when I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't reach anyone for weeks. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me a lot of frustration when I needed to speak to someone about my claim status.
Lauren Wood
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.
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Wesley Hallow
•I understand the frustration, but deliberately trying to get fired can backfire if the employer documents misconduct. It's better to properly document the hostile work environment and quit with good cause.
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Ellie Lopez
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
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Wesley Hallow
•That's not accurate - 'personal reasons' typically don't qualify as good cause under NYS Department of Labor rules. Your cousin may have had other qualifying factors or there might be missing details to her situation.
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