Does claiming unemployment affect employer - worried about filing

Your unemployment claim won't hurt your employer's reputation at all - it's just part of how the system works. Employers pay into the unemployment insurance fund specifically for situations like yours. When you file with NYS Department of Labor, your employer gets notified and can respond if they disagree with the claim, but legitimate layoffs are rarely contested. The only time employers might have issues is if they have an unusually high number of claims that could affect their UI tax rate, but one claim from a layoff won't make a difference.

File your claim immediately - you're entitled to those benefits and waiting only hurts you financially. I was in a similar situation where I worried about my employer, but it turned out they were actually relieved I filed because it meant they wouldn't have to worry about me struggling while waiting for business to improve. Many employers expect their laid-off workers to file for unemployment. It's not personal against them, it's using a safety net you've earned through your work history.

I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone when I had questions about how my claim would affect my employer relationship. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through, I'd get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent who explained everything. They even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent confirmed that legitimate layoffs don't create problems for employers and actually encouraged me to maintain a good relationship since many companies do rehire when business improves.

wait so employers dont get in trouble when we file claims?? i always thought they had to pay extra money or something when people filed unemployment against them

Just wanted to say I filed unemployment after being laid off and my old boss actually reached out a few months later when they had an opening. The unemployment claim had zero impact on our relationship. If anything, it showed I was being responsible about my finances during the gap.

Emma, you're overthinking this! Filing for unemployment when you're laid off is exactly what the system is designed for. Your employer already pays unemployment insurance taxes as part of doing business - think of it like any other insurance policy they carry. When you file a legitimate claim after being laid off, you're not "doing anything" to your employer, you're just accessing benefits you're entitled to. In fact, most employers in retail expect their laid-off employees to file for unemployment benefits during slow periods. It sounds like your manager understood the situation was temporary due to budget constraints, so they'll likely view your filing as completely normal and reasonable. Don't let worry about your employer's feelings prevent you from getting the financial support you need right now.