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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.
I've been trying to reach the NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my benefits getting stopped and their phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there? I need to understand why my payments stopped but can't get through to anyone.
I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that calls the NYS Department of Labor for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.
Just want to add that unemployment benefits in NY also come with job search requirements. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your search activities. The NYS Department of Labor can ask to see this log at any time. Benefits aren't just free money - there are responsibilities that come with them.
Wait so if I quit my job can I still collect unemployment? Or does it have to be like a layoff situation? Also how long does it take to get approved? I'm getting really worried about my rent payment next month.
Generally you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own - so layoffs, company closures, being fired for non-misconduct reasons. Quitting usually disqualifies you unless it was for good cause. Processing times vary but expect at least a few weeks, especially if your claim goes into adjudication.
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.
Natasha Kuznetsova
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
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Javier Morales
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.
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