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The unemployment system in this state is ridiculous!! They make it so hard to get benefits even when you've been paying into it for years. My friend quit because her boss was sexually harassing her and they STILL gave her a hard time about it. Had to get a lawyer involved just to get what she deserved.
Wait I'm confused - if you quit can you still file weekly claims while waiting for the decision? Or do you have to wait until after adjudication is complete?
This system is so messed up! 26 weeks isn't enough time to find a decent job anymore. I'm in the same boat and it's really scary not knowing how I'm going to pay rent. The NYS Department of Labor needs to extend benefits like other states do.
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to confirm your options, I used 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 calling and getting hung up on.
I was making $52k and my weekly benefit came out to $480, so yeah it's pretty close to 50%. The NYS Department of Labor calculation looks at your highest earning quarter during the base period and divides by 26. Just make sure you report any part-time work accurately when you file your weekly claims or you could get hit with an overpayment later.
ugh the whole system is such a mess regardless of what the unemployment rate is!! I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months over an overpayment issue and they never return calls or emails. The percentage might be low but that doesn't mean they're any more helpful to actual people trying to navigate this bureaucratic nightmare
Just want to add that even if unemployment rates are lower, you still have the same rights to benefits if you qualify. Make sure you're continuing to file weekly claims and document your job search activities. The adjudication process can be slow but they have to follow the same rules regardless of economic conditions.
Chloe Anderson
Other things that can disqualify you: not registering for work search within the required timeframe, failing to complete your weekly job search activities, turning down job offers that NYS Department of Labor considers suitable, and not reporting income from part-time work. Also if you're not a US citizen or authorized to work, or if you're receiving certain other benefits. The system is designed to catch everything!
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Malik Davis
•Wait, what counts as suitable work? Can they make you take any job even if it pays way less than what you were making?
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Diego Vargas
Been through this whole mess twice now and honestly the unemployment system is rigged against workers. They'll find ANY excuse to deny your claim. Even if you have legitimate reasons for leaving they make you jump through hoops for months while you're struggling to pay bills. The adjudication process is deliberately slow and confusing.
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Isabella Santos
•I understand the frustration, but it's not completely hopeless. The key is documentation and knowing the rules. NYS Department of Labor has to follow specific criteria for good cause determinations. If you have proper documentation of workplace issues, your chances improve significantly.
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