
New York Unemployment
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Ask the community...
I'm looking into filing for unemployment benefits and trying to understand how much NYS Department of Labor pays out these days. I know the amounts changed a lot over the past few years but I'm having trouble finding current information about what the weekly benefit amounts actually are in 2025. My last job paid around $52,000 annually and I'm wondering what I could expect if I need to file a claim. Has anyone filed recently and can share what kind of weekly benefit amount you received? I want to budget properly while I look for new work.
I've been putting off filing for unemployment because I thought I'd find something quickly, but it's been 8 weeks since I lost my job. I'm starting to panic - is there a deadline for applying? Can I still get benefits backdated to when I was first unemployed? I heard different things from friends but want to know what the actual NYS Department of Labor rules are. Really kicking myself for waiting this long.
Got terminated last Friday and I'm trying to figure out the timeline for filing my unemployment claim. My former employer said something about there being a deadline but I can't remember exactly what they said. I know I should file ASAP but I'm dealing with some personal stuff right now and want to know if I have a few days or if this is something I need to do immediately. Does anyone know what the actual deadline is for filing after termination? Also worried about whether being fired (not laid off) affects my eligibility at all.
ugh the whole system is set up to screw people over. they dont tell you about these deadlines clearly and then act like its your fault when you miss benefits. i waited 10 days after getting canned and lost 2 weeks of payments. make sure you file your weekly claims too even if your initial claim is still pending!!!
Just to add - being fired vs laid off doesn't matter as much as people think. What matters is whether you were fired 'for cause' like stealing or not showing up vs being fired for performance issues or company restructuring. Most terminations still qualify for UI benefits unless there was serious misconduct involved.
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits and honestly I'm confused about what reasons actually qualify you. I lost my job last month but my manager said I was terminated for attendance issues (I was late a few times due to childcare problems). Does that automatically disqualify me from getting unemployment? What are the main reasons the NYS Department of Labor approves claims for? I don't want to waste time filing if I'm just going to get denied.
the system is rigged anyway, they'll find any excuse to deny you benefits even when you deserve them. I was laid off and it still took 6 weeks to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation
I'm trying to figure out my budget while I'm between jobs and need to know what to expect from NYS Department of Labor benefits. I made about $52,000 last year working in retail management. Does anyone know roughly how much unemployment pays per month? I've heard it's based on your previous wages but I can't find clear info on the actual dollar amounts. Also wondering if there are any deductions or taxes taken out automatically?
Don't forget you can only collect for 26 weeks total unless there's some extended benefits program running. And if you work part-time while collecting, they'll reduce your benefits dollar for dollar after you earn more than $143 per week.
The whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to figure out if my freelance work affects my benefits and can't get a straight answer from anyone. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines are always busy and their website doesn't explain part-time work scenarios clearly.
Mei Chen
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to check on my claim status and it's impossible! The phone lines are always busy and when I do get through I get disconnected. Someone told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Liam O'Sullivan
Never heard of that but honestly anything that helps get through to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor sounds good to me. The automated system is useless when you have real questions.
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Amara Okonkwo
Just keep in mind you can only collect unemployment if you were laid off or lost your job through no fault of your own. If you quit or were fired for misconduct, you won't qualify. Also, if you receive any severance pay, that might affect when your benefits start.
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