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If you're dealing with coordinating NYS Department of Labor benefits and family leave, you might need to talk to an actual agent about your specific situation. I had a complicated case recently and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Someone here recommended using claimyr.com to get connected faster - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
this is all great in theory but the reality is most family policies still suck even when unemployment is low... employers find ways around offering real benefits
The system is totally broken when unemployment spikes! They never staff up enough to handle the volume and we all just suffer while they take their sweet time processing claims. Meanwhile bills keep coming...
To answer your original question - during high unemployment, more people qualify for the basic 26 weeks of benefits because more people lose jobs through no fault of their own. But processing gets slower due to volume, and extended federal programs only activate when specific economic triggers are met at the state level.
WAIT can you collect both if you become disabled while on unemployment?? Asking for a friend who got hurt at work and is currently getting UI benefits but might need to apply for disability
That's a complex situation that would need individual review. Generally if someone becomes unable to work while collecting unemployment, they would need to stop certifying for UI benefits since they can no longer meet the 'able and available' requirement. They should contact NYS Department of Labor immediately to discuss their specific situation.
Liam Cortez
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) that shows how it works. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get answers until I used their service to finally talk to someone who could explain what was holding up my claim.
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Kylo Ren
•Interesting, I'll check that out. The phone situation is definitely frustrating - either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting forever.
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Savannah Vin
•Never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than trying to call normally. I've probably tried calling 50 times this month.
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Mason Stone
Just wanted to say hang in there! I remember being just as confused when I first filed. The system is complicated but once you get into the routine of weekly certifications and job searches it becomes second nature. The key is staying consistent with everything even when your claim is pending.
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