Do you get paid for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
Sorry if this sounds dumb but I'm filing for the first time and really confused about how this all works. Do you actually get paid money for being unemployed? Like do they send you a check or deposit money in your account? How much do you get paid for unemployment and how often? I lost my job at a restaurant last week and my friend said I should apply but I don't really understand what unemployment even is or if I qualify.
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Diego Flores
Yes, unemployment insurance (UI) provides weekly benefit payments if you qualify. In New York, the NYS Department of Labor calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings from the past year. You'll typically receive between $104-$504 per week depending on what you earned. Payments are usually deposited directly into your bank account or loaded onto a debit card. You have to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.
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Chloe Robinson
•Oh wow I had no idea it was that much! How do I know if I qualify? Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time?
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Anastasia Kozlov
You need to meet NYS Department of Labor requirements - basically you had to earn enough wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters) and you can't have been fired for misconduct. Since you worked at a restaurant you should be fine as long as you didn't get fired for stealing or something. Apply online at my.ny.gov as soon as possible because there's a waiting week.
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Sean Flanagan
•actually there's no waiting week anymore in NY, they got rid of it during covid and never brought it back
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Zara Mirza
The money comes from unemployment insurance taxes that employers pay, not from your taxes. So yes you definitely get paid real money. I was getting $340 a week when I was unemployed last year. Just make sure you're actively looking for work because NYS Department of Labor requires you to do job searches and keep a log.
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Chloe Robinson
•What kind of job searches do I need to do? Is there a minimum number per week?
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Diego Flores
•You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records. This can include applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, etc. The NYS Department of Labor has specific requirements about what counts.
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NebulaNinja
Just a heads up - sometimes getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone is really difficult if you have questions or problems with your claim. I had issues with my account being locked and couldn't reach anyone for days. Someone here recommended this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Ended up being super helpful when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication issue.
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Luca Russo
•Never heard of that but honestly anything that helps with their phone system would be worth it. I spent literally hours on hold last month trying to get my claim fixed.
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Nia Wilson
yeah you get paid but don't expect it to be much lol. i was making $18/hr and only got like $280 a week. better than nothing though and at least it's something while you look for another job. the whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started
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Sean Flanagan
Make sure you apply right away! The sooner you file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor, the sooner your benefits can start. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, it's better to apply and let them determine it rather than waiting. The application is all online now and much easier than it used to be.
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Chloe Robinson
•Thanks everyone! This really helps. I'm going to apply today on the my.ny.gov website. Feeling much better about this whole situation now.
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