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If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify the partial benefits rules, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me connected to a real person who explained exactly how to report my part-time earnings without screwing up my claim. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
This brings back memories of my economics classes! The business cycle creates that roller coaster effect on employment. I remember during the last recession how overwhelmed NYS Department of Labor was with all the claims flooding in. My brother lost his construction job and it took months to process his UI claim because of the volume.
wait so cyclical unemployment is different from seasonal unemployment right?? i always get those confused when talking about my landscaping work
Yes, they're different! Seasonal unemployment happens at predictable times each year (like your landscaping work in winter). Cyclical unemployment is tied to the broader economic cycle and can happen at any time depending on economic conditions. NYS Department of Labor tracks both types separately in their statistics.
You need to do 3 job searches per week and log them in the NYS Department of Labor system when you file your weekly claim. If you can't get through to check your claim status, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
I was in a similar situation last year when my restaurant cut everyone's hours. Took me forever to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about my claim. The phone lines are always busy and the website isn't always clear about partial benefits. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call myself.
Harper Collins
The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing about this stuff!! Why can't they just explain it clearly instead of making us guess what we're supposed to do? I spent hours on the phone trying to figure out the difference between reopening and filing a new claim.
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Kelsey Hawkins
Same boat here - just had to reopen after a 4 month work period. The questions were pretty straightforward once I got started. Just be honest about your work dates and earnings.
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