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If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about your claim, I had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever. 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.
Same question but wondering about things like paying off credit cards or student loans with unemployment money? Technically it's income replacement but curious if anyone knows if that could cause issues?
honestly the unemployment system is so broken, doesn't matter if you fire someone or they quit, they'll probably get benefits anyway. i've seen people get unemployment after stealing from their employer because nys department of labor barely investigates anything anymore
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to file claims or check status, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me when I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't get through the regular way.
If clearing your cache doesn't work, you might need to contact an NYS Department of Labor agent directly. I had a similar issue where the system was mixing up different types of forms and I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent was able to clear up the system error on my account in just a few minutes.
Just to clarify for anyone else reading - Form 940 is specifically the Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return. Employers use it to report wages subject to FUTA tax and calculate their annual FUTA tax liability. As unemployment claimants, we have nothing to do with this form. If you're seeing it on your weekly claim, it's definitely a system error that needs to be fixed.
Dylan Baskin
The job search requirement is important too - you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. NYS Department of Labor can ask for your job search records at any time so make sure you're documenting everything properly.
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Lily Young
•Do freelance client contacts count toward the 3 weekly job contacts requirement?
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Wesley Hallow
•No, freelance client outreach doesn't count. The job contacts need to be for traditional employment opportunities - applying for posted jobs, networking for potential positions, attending job fairs, etc.
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Lauren Wood
i was in a similar situation last year and got approved no problem. just file the claim and see what happens. worst case they deny it and you appeal
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