New York Unemployment

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Can't reach New York Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

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Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

Using Claimyr will:

  • Connect you to a human agent at the NYDOL
  • Skip the long phone menu
  • Call the correct department
  • Redial until on hold
  • Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
  • Give you free callbacks if the NYDOL drops your call
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Ask the community...

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How is unemployment measured by NYS Department of Labor - confused about eligibility calculations

I'm trying to understand how NYS Department of Labor actually measures unemployment for benefit eligibility. My work history is pretty complicated - I had part-time jobs, some contract work, and periods where I was looking but couldn't find anything. When I filed my initial claim, they asked for so much detail about my work search efforts and previous earnings. Does anyone know exactly what criteria they use to determine if someone qualifies as 'unemployed' for UI benefits? I'm worried I might not meet their requirements even though I genuinely need help finding stable work.

The work search requirement is what trips up a lot of people. NYS Department of Labor expects you to prove you're genuinely looking for work, not just collecting benefits. Keep detailed logs of every application, interview, and job fair you attend. They can audit your work search activities at any time.

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Good point about keeping records. I've been tracking everything in a spreadsheet but wasn't sure if that was enough documentation.

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Just wanted to add that if you're partially employed (working reduced hours), you might still qualify for partial benefits. NYS Department of Labor has formulas for calculating partial payments based on your reduced earnings.

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How do I qualify for unemployment benefits - NYS Department of Labor requirements?

I just got laid off from my restaurant job after 8 months and I'm not sure if I qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I've never filed before and don't really understand the requirements. I was working full-time making about $18/hour but I'm worried because I only worked there for 8 months. Do I need to have worked for a full year? Also I'm 19 and this was my first real job after high school. What are the basic requirements to qualify for UI benefits in New York?

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

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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.

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Interesting, never heard of that before. Might be worth trying since I'm getting nowhere with the regular phone number.

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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.

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Can you get unemployment and social security disability at the same time through NYS Department of Labor?

I'm really confused about this situation. My wife has been collecting SSDI for the past two years due to her chronic condition, but she's been wanting to try working part-time again. Her doctor said she could attempt some limited work activity. If she loses her part-time job, would she be eligible to file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor while still receiving her disability payments? I've heard conflicting information and don't want to mess up either benefit. Has anyone dealt with this before?

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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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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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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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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Do businesses pay for unemployment benefits in NY - confused about how this works

I just got laid off from my warehouse job and filed for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor. My former supervisor mentioned something about how they have to pay for my benefits now? I'm really confused about this whole system. Does my old company actually pay the money that goes into my weekly unemployment check? I thought this was government money. Can someone explain how this works because I'm worried my old boss might try to challenge my claim if it costs them money directly.

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

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exactly! and then when you try to call NYS Department of Labor to ask questions you sit on hold for hours or get disconnected

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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.

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What is unemployment tax rate for NY employers - confused about NYS Department of Labor calculations

I'm trying to understand how the unemployment tax rate works in New York. My small business got hit with a higher rate this year and I'm not sure why. The NYS Department of Labor notice mentions something about experience rating and base periods but it's all confusing. Does anyone know how they calculate these rates? I thought it was a flat percentage but apparently it changes based on your claim history. My accountant is out of town and I need to budget for next quarter.

Just want to add that the State Unemployment Tax (SUT) rate is separate from the federal FUTA rate. In NY you also have to factor in the Reemployment Service Fund which is 0.075% on top of your regular UI rate. Plus there's disability benefits tax too.

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Wait, there are multiple unemployment taxes? I thought it was just one rate. This is getting more complicated than I thought.

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been running my business for 15 years and these rates still surprise me every year... NYS Department of Labor should really make this stuff clearer

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