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honestly the whole system is a mess right now, unemployment numbers don't even reflect reality because so many people gave up looking or are working gig jobs that don't get counted properly
Back to your original question - if you're looking at this strategically, focus on sectors that are actively hiring rather than areas with high unemployment. Healthcare, tech, and skilled trades are showing consistent job growth in NY. The unemployment rate tells you about job losses, but job creation data tells you about opportunities.
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.
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.
I'm so confused about all this! I just got laid off and I have no idea what I'll qualify for. Do they look at my gross pay or net pay? And what if I had a raise during the year - does that help or hurt my benefits calculation? This whole process is overwhelming and I'm worried I won't get enough to cover my bills.
They use your gross wages, not net pay. A raise during your base period could help if it increases your highest quarter earnings. Don't worry - the NYS Department of Labor will calculate everything automatically when you file your claim. Focus on getting your application submitted with accurate employment history.
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
Yara Campbell
The key thing is whether it was misconduct or not. Being late can be tricky - if you had warnings and kept doing it anyway, they might consider it willful misconduct. But if there were circumstances beyond your control or it wasn't that serious, you could still qualify. When I had issues reaching NYS Department of Labor agents to ask questions about my case, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me get answers quickly instead of waiting on hold forever.
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Arjun Patel
•I'll check that out if I have trouble getting through to them. Did you end up getting approved?
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Yara Campbell
•Yeah I did get approved eventually. Took about 3 weeks for them to make a decision but it worked out.
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Isaac Wright
File immediately! Every day you wait is money you're losing. Even if there's some question about eligibility, you want to get your claim date established. NYS Department of Labor will investigate and make a determination. If they deny you, you can always appeal the decision.
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