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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.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your eligibility, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to a real agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to reach someone for days until I used their service and got through in like 20 minutes. Really helped me understand my claim status and what I needed to do next.
interesting, never heard of that before. is it legit or just another way to take advantage of unemployed people?
Same boat as you last year! Unemployment insurance benefit basically replaces part of your lost income while you search for work. Think of it as temporary financial assistance that you earned through working. The key things to remember: file immediately, be honest about your job search, and keep detailed records of where you apply. NYS Department of Labor will send you information about job search requirements once your claim is processed.
I had a really hard time getting through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to even ask about this stuff. Spent weeks calling and getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a live agent who could explain all the different benefit programs. 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 navigate the phone system myself.
Just want to add that even though you cant get unemployment for maternity leave, if you lose your job while pregnant (like layoffs or company closure) you CAN still get regular UI benefits as long as you're able to work. I was 6 months pregnant when I got laid off and NYS Department of Labor approved my claim no problem. The key is being able and available for work.
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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