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this whole system is RIGGED against workers! Of course employers fight claims because it costs them money. Meanwhile we're the ones who need to eat and pay rent but they make us jump through hoops with NYS Department of Labor just to save a few bucks on their taxes
Just went through this myself. Your employer can contest your claim within 10 days if they think you weren't eligible (like if they claim you quit instead of being laid off). But if you were legitimately laid off due to lack of work, you should be fine. Keep any documentation about your layoff just in case.
While unemployment rates don't affect individual claims directly, they can indirectly impact processing times during periods of high unemployment when more people are filing claims. During economic downturns, NYS Department of Labor offices get overwhelmed with applications. Right now, with relatively low unemployment, processing should be more manageable. If you're having trouble reaching someone about your pending claim, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works.
The whole system is broken regardless of what the unemployment rate is!!! I've been waiting FIVE WEEKS for my claim to move out of adjudication and nobody at NYS Department of Labor can give me a straight answer about what's taking so long.
ugh the NYS Department of Labor system is such a pain to deal with. I've been trying to get through to someone for weeks about my claim status and can never get past the busy signal. it's like they don't want people to actually get benefits
I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents by phone - they handle all the waiting and calling back until they connect you with someone. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to reach someone about my adjudication.
Just wanted to add that if you meet the basic requirements, you should apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting week where you won't get paid, but the sooner you file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor, the sooner your benefit year starts. Don't wait thinking you need to find a job first - that's not how it works.
Since you mentioned your claim is in adjudication - that's completely separate from EUC or any extended benefits. Adjudication is just NYS Department of Labor reviewing your initial claim to make sure you qualify. It can take a few weeks but has nothing to do with extensions. Focus on that first before worrying about what happens after your 26 weeks.
Good point, I'm probably getting ahead of myself. The adjudication is taking forever though - it's been 3 weeks already with no updates.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor about your adjudication status, I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.
Sean Kelly
This whole system is so confusing!! Why can't they just have clear guidelines posted somewhere? I'm in a similar boat and every person I talk to gives me different information. Some say you can't collect both, others say it depends on your specific disability status. It's incredibly frustrating trying to navigate this bureaucratic maze.
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Chloe Wilson
•I understand the frustration. The complexity comes from the fact that unemployment and disability are managed by different agencies with different criteria. NYS Department of Labor focuses on ability to work, while Social Security focuses on inability to work substantial gainful activity.
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Zara Malik
Just want to add that timing is really important here. If your wife decides to attempt work, she should notify Social Security immediately and keep detailed records of everything. When filing for unemployment, she'll need to be completely honest about her disability status during the application process. NYS Department of Labor will likely flag the case for review anyway.
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Omar Fawzi
•Good point about keeping records. Should she wait until after she starts working to contact Social Security, or notify them when she's just considering it?
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