omg this is giving me flashbacks to when I filed 3 years ago... the stress of not knowing if you'll get approved is the worst part. at least now you can do everything online instead of having to mail forms

Here's what nobody tells you - even after you're approved, payments can still get held up for random verification requests. NYS Department of Labor might ask you to prove your identity, verify your work history, or confirm your job search activities. Always respond immediately to any requests or your benefits will be suspended. Also, keep in mind that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so you can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later when you file your tax return. The maximum weekly benefit amount in New York is currently $504, but most people get less depending on their previous wages.

I had issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed clarification on employer requirements. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent who could explain the registration process. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much time compared to calling directly.

Don't forget about the different FUTA rates too. Standard rate is 6% but you get credit for state unemployment taxes paid, usually bringing it down to 0.6%. Make sure you file your state returns on time or you lose that credit.

The whole system is rigged anyway! These corporations get tax breaks to automate then we have to pay for unemployment benefits for the workers they displaced. NYS Department of Labor should make companies pay more into the unemployment fund when they automate jobs. It's not fair that taxpayers foot the bill.

honestly i think robots will eventually do most jobs but it might take longer than people think. like my dad lost his job to a machine in the 80s but found work in maintenance. technology moves fast but people adapt too i guess

omg this is so confusing, i just want to know if my benefits will get cut off early if unemployment drops too much in my area?? like if they decide the job market is 'good enough' does that mean no more weekly claims??

my brother in law works for the state labor department (not NYS tho) and he says they target around 4.5% because that means almost everyone who wants work can find it, but there's still enough job turnover to keep the economy flexible. dunno if NYS Department of Labor uses the same logic

If you're having trouble getting answers about your specific situation or need to verify your unemployment insurance contributions with NYS Department of Labor, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to actual agents when the phone lines are busy. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I needed to check my benefit eligibility last year.

Just remember that even though you're paying into unemployment insurance, there's no guarantee you'll actually get benefits if you need them. The NYS Department of Labor can be really picky about eligibility requirements and they seem to find reasons to deny claims all the time.