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Just make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after you're terminated! You can't backdate unemployment benefits in New York, so every week you wait is money you're losing. Even if you think your employer might contest it, file anyway - you can always appeal if they deny your initial claim.
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation because something seems wrong with my amount. The phone lines are always busy and I can't get a real person to explain how they came up with my weekly benefit. It's so frustrating when you need answers about your claim!
I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to resolve my benefit calculation issue.
just to add some context - during covid there were multiple programs. regular UI got the $600 boost, plus there was PUA for gig workers and PEUC for extended benefits. some people were getting unemployment for like 18+ months which never happens normally. now its back to the standard 26 weeks maximum and just your regular benefit amount
OK but like why is this so complicated?? You get money, you pay taxes on it, then they want it back and you have to jump through tax hoops to maybe get some relief. The whole unemployment system is backwards.
honestly just apply. i thought i wouldnt qualify either but i did and got like $280 a week for 6 months. saved my butt while job hunting. the application asks all the right questions and theyll tell you if you qualify or not. no harm in trying
Emily Jackson
I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble reaching anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about my application. The phone lines are always busy and the callback system doesn't work half the time. I ended up using 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 hours of trying to call myself and I got my questions answered the same day.
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Liam Mendez
•interesting, never heard of that before but might be worth checking out if the phone situation is really that bad
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Ethan Wilson
•Thanks for the tip! Hopefully I won't need to call but good to know there are options if I get stuck.
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Sophia Nguyen
One thing to keep in mind is that even though you can file immediately, it might take a few weeks for your claim to be processed and approved. NYS Department of Labor has to verify your employment history and sometimes that takes time. Don't panic if you don't see payments right away. Also make sure you start doing your weekly claims as soon as you're able to - that's how you actually request the money each week.
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Ethan Wilson
•Weekly claims? I thought once you applied you just automatically got paid?
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Sophia Nguyen
•Nope, you have to certify each week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's called filing your weekly claim and you do it online every week.
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