


Ask the community...
I remember when I first got unemployment I thought it would be like my regular paycheck! Reality hit pretty hard when I realized it was only about half. The benefits are really just meant to keep you afloat while job searching, not maintain your previous lifestyle. Make sure you're actively looking for work because they do require job search activities.
Wait, what kind of job search activities? I've been applying to jobs but nobody told me about specific requirements.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor agents to get more details about your benefit calculation, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. I was stuck trying to understand my benefit rate for weeks before using them to actually talk to someone.
wait so do i need to have worked for a whole year to get unemployment? i was only at my last job for like 6 months but i had another job before that
Just want to add that you should file your claim as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a one week waiting period in NY and benefits are not retroactive to before you file. Also make sure you understand the difference between filing your initial claim and filing your weekly claims - you have to do both to keep getting payments.
why would you even worry about the employer?? they laid YOU off! file your claim and get your money, that's what unemployment insurance is for. NYS Department of Labor has the whole system set up already
Just to add - if your employer tries to fight a legitimate unemployment claim, NYS Department of Labor investigates and makes the final decision. They look at documentation, interview both parties if needed, and determine eligibility based on the facts. Don't let fear of 'bothering' your employer prevent you from getting benefits you've earned through your work history.
Wait, don't you have to be actively looking for work to get unemployment? I thought there were job search requirements you had to meet every week.
Yes, you're required to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a record of your job search activities. You'll need to report this when you file your weekly claims. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log, so keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and any responses you received.
Jabari-Jo
Have you looked into whether there are any emergency assistance programs that might help with medical bills instead of taking out a loan? Sometimes there are local charities or even hospital payment plans that might be better than paying loan interest. Just a thought before you commit to debt payments while your income is already reduced.
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Kristin Frank
If you're having trouble getting approved anywhere, you might want to try calling NYS Department of Labor directly to get official documentation of your benefit amount and duration. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually get through to an agent when I needed verification letters - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Having official paperwork from NYS Department of Labor might help convince lenders that your unemployment income is legitimate and ongoing.
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Anna Kerber
•wait is that legit? sounds kinda sketchy to pay someone to make phone calls for you
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Kristin Frank
•It's totally legitimate - they just help you get through the phone queues when NYS Department of Labor is swamped. I was stuck trying to reach them for weeks about an adjudication issue and this got me connected the same day.
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