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Don't forget you need to register for work search activities right away too. The job search requirements kick in immediately so have your resume ready and start thinking about where you'll be applying. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about the work search log.
same boat here, behind on rent and credit cards maxed out. unemployment definitely pushes you toward poverty fast
Just to add some concrete numbers - according to recent data, the federal poverty level for a single person in 2025 is about $15,060 annually. At $320 per week, you're looking at about $16,640 per year if you collected for the full year, which is technically above the poverty line but still extremely difficult to live on, especially in high-cost areas. The gap between unemployment benefits and actual living wages is a real policy issue that affects thousands of NYS workers.
I had a nightmare trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for this exact reason. Spent weeks calling and getting nowhere. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person who could explain what additional documentation they needed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful than trying to navigate the phone system myself.
The whole system is so confusing!! Like how are you supposed to be available for work if you're disabled? Makes no sense to me. But I guess if you were working before then maybe it's different?
It can be confusing, but the key distinction is between 'totally disabled' and 'disabled but able to work in some capacity.' SSDI allows for trial work periods and substantial gainful activity, which shows you can perform some work. That's what makes you potentially eligible for unemployment when that work ends.
The whole payment system is a mess honestly. I've been waiting 3 weeks for my back pay and every time I call they give me a different excuse. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing at NYS Department of Labor.
James Johnson
been there! mine was about a year ago for misconduct (which was total BS). the hearing lasted about 45 minutes and yeah my employer showed up with their HR person. just stick to the facts and don't get emotional even if they say stuff that makes you mad. i won my appeal but it took 6 weeks to get the decision after the hearing
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Henry Delgado
•6 weeks?? I was hoping to get a decision faster than that. Did you get back pay for all the weeks you missed?
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James Johnson
•yeah got all the back pay plus interest. it was worth the wait but definitely stressful during those 6 weeks
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Sophia Rodriguez
Remember to keep filing your weekly claims even while the appeal is pending! A lot of people forget this step and it can mess up your benefit timeline.
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