Can you collect back unemployment from NYS Department of Labor for missed weeks?
I've been working part-time since November but just realized I might have been eligible for partial unemployment benefits this whole time. My hours got cut to like 20 hours a week and I'm making way less than before. Can you collect back unemployment from NYS Department of Labor if you never filed initially? I'm worried I missed out on months of money I was entitled to. Has anyone successfully gotten retroactive benefits for weeks they didn't claim?
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Keisha Johnson
You can request backdating but it's complicated. NYS Department of Labor only allows backdating in specific circumstances like you were given wrong information or had a barrier preventing you from filing. Just not knowing you were eligible usually isn't enough reason.
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Yara Sayegh
•Ugh that's what I was afraid of. I guess I just assumed since I was still working I couldn't get anything.
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Paolo Longo
Actually you should still apply now and request backdating anyway. The worst they can say is no. When you file your initial claim, there's a section where you can explain why you're requesting benefits for past weeks. Be honest about your situation - reduced hours due to lack of work, not aware partial benefits existed, etc. I've seen people get approved for backdating when they had legitimate reasons they didn't file earlier.
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Yara Sayegh
•Really? How far back can they go? I'm talking about potentially 3-4 months here.
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Paolo Longo
•NYS Department of Labor can backdate up to one year from when you file, but again it depends on your specific circumstances. The key is showing good cause for the delay in filing.
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CosmicCowboy
omg same thing happened to me!! i was working reduced hours for months before someone told me about partial UI. I tried calling NYS Department of Labor like 50 times to ask about backdating but could never get through to anyone. So frustrating when you need answers and can't reach anybody.
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Amina Diallo
•If you can't get through to NYS Department of Labor by phone, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me connect with an agent when I had questions about my claim status. There's a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Way easier than spending hours on hold.
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CosmicCowboy
•Never heard of that but definitely checking it out. This phone situation with NYS Department of Labor is ridiculous.
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Oliver Schulz
I wouldn't get your hopes up too much. The unemployment system is designed to make it as hard as possible to get benefits. They'll probably deny your backdate request and make you jump through hoops to appeal it. But definitely worth trying since you're talking about thousands of dollars potentially.
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Yara Sayegh
•Yeah I figured it was a long shot but like you said, potentially a lot of money if it works out.
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Natasha Orlova
Make sure you understand the partial benefit calculation too. You can work and still collect as long as your total earnings for the week are less than your weekly benefit rate. NYS Department of Labor has a specific formula for partial benefits. And document everything about why your hours were reduced - that'll help your case for backdating.
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