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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.
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!
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.
I was in a similar situation last month and kept getting hung up on when I called the NYS Department of Labor. If you're having trouble getting through to verify anything about timing, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful when I could actually talk to someone about my specific situation.
Yara Sayegh
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.
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Ava Martinez
•Never heard of that before but might be worth looking into if I run into issues. How much does something like that cost?
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Yara Sayegh
•I don't remember the exact price but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor instead of getting hung up on repeatedly.
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Keisha Johnson
Just make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to do work search activities and keep a log once you start collecting. Don't want to get caught off guard by that later on.
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