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Been there! When I first filed I was totally lost too. Basically unemployment gives you weekly payments while you look for a new job, but there are rules. You have to be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. If you turn down a suitable job offer they can disqualify you. The payments usually last up to 26 weeks unless there are extensions.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to set up tax withholding, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was able to update my withholding preferences the same day instead of waiting weeks to get through on the phone.
The tax thing is frustrating but you can also just set aside money yourself if you don't want to reduce your weekly payments. I put about 15% of each payment into a separate savings account for taxes. That way I have the full amount when I need it and don't have to stress about owing money I don't have.
File now! I was in retail management for years and the benefits calculation includes your base pay plus averaged tips if they were reported. Don't assume you won't qualify for a decent amount. Plus unemployment gives you time to find a GOOD job instead of just taking the first thing that comes along. The job search requirements are pretty reasonable - usually 3 contacts per week and they accept online applications.
this whole NYS Department of Labor system is a JOKE. took me 6 months to get my initial claim approved and now the weekly filing doesn't even work half the time. how are people supposed to survive when they make it this hard to get your benefits??
Mateo Gonzalez
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim went into adjudication after being fired. Spent hours on hold trying to check my status. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration trying to reach someone.
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Diego Fernández
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•It was worth it for me to get answers quickly rather than spending days trying to call. The peace of mind was valuable when I was already stressed about being terminated.
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Nia Williams
Just apply online right away! The worst thing that can happen is they deny you and then you can appeal. But if you don't apply you definitely won't get anything. I got approved even after being fired for attendance issues so don't assume you won't qualify.
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