Does NYS Department of Labor reach out to employer when filing unemployment claim?
I'm thinking about filing for unemployment benefits but I'm worried about what happens with my former employer. Does the NYS Department of Labor automatically contact them when I submit my claim? My last job ended on bad terms and I don't want to cause any drama, but I really need the benefits. Will they know I filed right away or only if there's an issue with my claim?
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AstroAdventurer
Yes, NYS Department of Labor will contact your employer as part of the standard process. They send what's called a Notice of Claim to verify your employment dates, wages, and reason for separation. This happens for every unemployment claim, not just problem cases. Your employer has 10 days to respond with their side of the story.
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Carmen Lopez
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. So there's no way to file without them knowing?
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Andre Dupont
Unfortunately no, employer notification is mandatory. But look at it this way - if you were legitimately laid off or terminated through no fault of your own, you have every right to collect benefits. Don't let a bad relationship with your former employer prevent you from getting what you're entitled to.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•this is so true! i was scared to file too but turns out my old boss didn't even contest it
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Jamal Wilson
The whole system is designed to make you feel guilty for filing. They WANT you to be scared of your employer finding out. But guess what - your employer has been paying unemployment insurance taxes specifically for this purpose. You paid into the system too through your work. File the claim.
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Carmen Lopez
•You're right, I shouldn't feel bad about this. I just hate confrontation.
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Mei Lin
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about the process, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent really quickly. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed to clarify something about my claim.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•How much does something like that cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Mei Lin
•I get that, but when you're stressed about your claim and can't get through for days, it was worth it for me to get answers quickly.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
just file already! the longer you wait the more money you're losing. worst case scenario they deny your claim and you appeal it
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Andre Laurent
Carmen, I understand your anxiety about this, but remember that filing for unemployment is a legal right when you've been separated from employment through no fault of your own. The notification to your employer is just part of the verification process - they're required to confirm employment details and separation reason. Most employers receive these notices regularly and treat them as routine paperwork. If you were legitimately terminated or laid off, don't let fear of your former employer's reaction prevent you from accessing benefits you've earned. The Department of Labor will handle the process professionally regardless of any workplace drama that may have occurred.
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