Does Aflac cover unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I've been paying into an Aflac policy for years and just got laid off from my job. I'm filing for unemployment through NYS Department of Labor but wondering if my Aflac policy provides any additional coverage during unemployment? I can't find clear info on their website about whether they have unemployment insurance benefits. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm trying to figure out all my options while waiting for my UI claim to process.
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AstroAdventurer
Aflac typically offers supplemental insurance for things like disability, accident, and critical illness, but they don't provide unemployment insurance coverage. Unemployment benefits come exclusively through the NYS Department of Labor system. Your Aflac policy might have a disability component if you become unable to work due to illness or injury, but job loss due to layoffs wouldn't qualify for Aflac benefits.
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Carmen Lopez
•That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for clarifying - I guess I was hoping there was some extra coverage I didn't know about.
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Andre Dupont
yeah aflac is more for like if you get hurt or sick, not for regular unemployment stuff. the only unemployment money comes from filing your weekly claims with NYS Department of Labor
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Zoe Papanikolaou
You're right to explore all options, but unemployment insurance is a government program administered by NYS Department of Labor, not private insurers. However, check your Aflac policy documents - some policies have provisions for voluntary termination or temporary income replacement under specific circumstances. It's worth a phone call to Aflac to review your exact coverage, but don't delay filing your UI claim while you research this.
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Carmen Lopez
•Good point about not delaying the UI claim. I already filed last week and have been doing my weekly certifications. Just wanted to see if there were any other income sources available.
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Jamal Wilson
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor about your claim status, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone.
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Carmen Lopez
•Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. My claim seems to be processing normally so far, but good to know there's an option if I run into issues.
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Mei Lin
I thought aflac covered everything!! this is disappointing to learn. I've been paying them forever and now when I actually need help they don't cover unemployment? seems like a rip off
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AstroAdventurer
•Aflac is supplemental insurance, not comprehensive income replacement. Read your policy - it should clearly outline what's covered. Unemployment insurance is specifically handled by state labor departments, not private insurers.
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Carmella Fromis
I went through something similar when I got laid off earlier this year. Aflac doesn't cover unemployment, but don't overlook other benefits you might have. Check if your former employer offers any severance, COBRA health insurance continuation, or if you have any unused vacation/sick time that gets paid out. Also look into local food banks and utility assistance programs while you're between jobs - every little bit helps stretch your unemployment benefits further.
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