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I struggled with getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify this exact question when I filed last year. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process much less stressful when I could actually talk to someone who explained how the multi-employer situation works.
Just want to add that having multiple employers might actually help your benefit calculation since NYS Department of Labor looks at your total earnings. As long as you meet the minimum wage requirements during your base period, you should be fine. The main thing is making sure you were separated from your last job for a qualifying reason.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify the partial benefits rules, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me connected to a real person who explained exactly how to report my part-time earnings without screwing up my claim. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
Sociologists would probably say the unemployment system itself becomes part of the problem when it's this overwhelmed. When people can't access benefits efficiently, it creates additional stress and social instability beyond just being unemployed.
just apply anyway, worst they can say is no and then you know for sure instead of wondering about it
To answer your original question more specifically - you'll need to file online through the NYS Department of Labor website. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your most recent pay stub. If you worked in other states, you might need to file in the state where you earned the most wages during your base period.
Miguel Hernández
I was in a similar situation last year when my restaurant cut everyone's hours. Took me forever to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about my claim. The phone lines are always busy and the website isn't always clear about partial benefits. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call myself.
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Sasha Ivanov
•Never heard of that service but honestly anything beats sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected
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Liam Murphy
Don't forget you also need to be a U.S. citizen or have work authorization, and be physically able to work. If you meet all the requirements, definitely apply - the worst they can say is no, and if you qualify the benefits can really help when your income gets cut.
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