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If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status, I used a service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Was way easier than spending hours on hold.
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.
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.
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??
Aurora St.Pierre
Just want to add that you'll also need to do job search activities to keep getting benefits. Right now it's 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log. Examples include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or working with a career counselor. Don't skip this part because they do audit people randomly!
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Grace Johnson
hang in there! same thing happened to me last year
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