


Ask the community...
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS! They make us jump through hoops every week and then can't even pay us on time. I've been waiting since Monday for my payment and getting different answers every time I call. This is people's RENT money we're talking about!
Same boat here, certified Sunday and still waiting. At least yours shows payment processed - mine just says 'claim under review' which is making me really nervous.
The NYS Department of Labor unemployment system is so messed up honestly. They make you jump through hoops to get money you already earned and paid into. And don't even get me started on their job search requirements - you have to apply to 3 jobs every week and keep detailed logs or they'll cut you off. It's like they want to make it as difficult as possible.
Just want to add that if you do get fired and they claim it was for misconduct, you have the right to appeal their decision. The NYS Department of Labor will schedule a hearing where you can present your side of the story. Don't just accept a disqualification if you think it's unfair - appeal it within 30 days of getting the determination letter.
Wait I'm confused... are you saying unemployment is supposed to make people NOT want to work? That doesn't make sense. Everyone I know on unemployment is desperately trying to find jobs. The benefits barely cover anything and there's all these requirements you have to meet.
The whole 'moral hazard' argument is mostly conservative BS if you ask me. I was on unemployment for 8 months during the recession and trust me, those benefits don't make life comfortable enough that anyone would choose to stay on them. The real issue is that there aren't enough good paying jobs, not that unemployment benefits are too generous.
The real consequence is how the system treats you like a criminal for needing help. Having to prove every week that you're actually looking for work, dealing with adjudication delays when there's some minor issue with your claim, getting threatened with overpayment notices... it's dehumanizing. And then they wonder why people get discouraged.
I understand the frustration with the system, but the job search requirements exist for a reason. The key is understanding what NYS Department of Labor actually requires - 3 work search activities per week, and they can include more than just job applications. Networking events, career fairs, even informational interviews count toward your requirement.
Rudy Cenizo
The NYS Department of Labor phone system is absolutely terrible if you need to talk to someone about your claim. I spent WEEKS trying to get through when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Natalie Khan
•interesting, never heard of that before. did it actually work or is it just another scam?
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Rudy Cenizo
•No it's legit, they actually got me through to someone at NYS Department of Labor within a few hours. Way better than sitting on hold for 3+ hours just to get disconnected.
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Daryl Bright
Just be prepared for the whole process to take FOREVER. I filed in January and didn't get my first payment until March because they had to verify my employment. The NYS Department of Labor moves at a snail's pace and their customer service is basically non-existent.
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