Got hit with a $420 penalty but still need my ny unemployment money

They're not extending your benefits, they're just reducing what you get until the penalty is paid off. Once the full $420 is repaid, you'll start getting your regular amount again. But yeah, you lose that money.

I had a similar issue but managed to get someone on the phone who actually helped. I used this service called claimyr.com and they got me a callback with an actual human agent. Talking to an agent got my issue resolved and my full benefits restored within days. Best money I ever spent after weeks of not being able to reach anyone. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I had this exact same problem last year. Listen, you NEED to report ALL income when certifying, even if it's a one time gig. The system is designed to catch this stuff. The penalty is because you technically committed fraud (even if it wasn't intentional).

HEADS UP! The exact same thing happened to me. The $420 penalty is probably just the amount they think you were overpaid PLUS a 25% penalty on top of that. You'll never get that money back, but after it's all collected from your benefits, you'll go back to getting your full amount each week.

Check if you qualify for a penalty waiver! Log into your account, go to the documents section, and look for the appeal or waiver forms. You might be able to get the penalty removed if you can show it was an honest mistake and you're facing financial hardship.

Here's what I learned going through a similar situation with NY unemployment: First, understand that penalties come in two forms: monetary (what you're experiencing) and forfeit days (where you lose entire weeks of benefits). Sounds like you just have the monetary penalty, which is actually better. Second, while they're taking money from your weekly benefits now, your BENEFIT YEAR remains the same. This means you won't get "extra weeks" to make up for the reduced payments. Your benefits will simply end on the original end date. Third, your best options are: 1. Accept the penalty and budget accordingly until it's paid off 2. Request a waiver (though these are rarely approved unless you can prove extreme hardship) 3. Request a hearing to contest the determination The biggest challenge is actually getting someone on the phone to help. After days of failed attempts, I found claimyr.com which got me a callback from an actual DOL rep within hours. This was a game-changer for resolving my issue. Finally, document EVERYTHING. Keep all letters, take screenshots of your account, and note the names of any representatives you speak with. The system is frustratingly complicated, but having documentation helps tremendously if you need to appeal. Hope this helps!

The NY unemployment system is such a joke 🤡 They make it impossible to talk to anyone on purpose. I bet if THEY made a mistake in YOUR favor they'd fix it immediately!

Fun fact: you can contact your state representative's office and they can sometimes intervene on your behalf. I did this after 2 months of getting nowhere and suddenly my issue was resolved in 48 hours!

did you get a letter first? or did they just start taking money out?? now im worried im gonna get hit with this too 😭

This is why I always overreport my earnings just to be safe. Rather get a smaller payment than deal with penalties later. The system rly punishes honest mistakes.

I'm an attorney who has helped people with unemployment issues. The monetary penalty is usually 15-50% on top of whatever they believe you were overpaid. You likely have the right to a hearing, but you must request it quickly (usually within 30 days of the determination). During the hearing you can explain it was an honest mistake.

hot tip: if ur really desperate and cant reach anyone, try calling right when they open at 8am or try the fraud department number and then ask to be transferred to regular claims. sometimes works for me

The number of people going thru this EXACT same thing right now is wild. They're cracking down hard on everyone post-pandemic. My theory is they're trying to recoup all the money they paid out during covid.

im dealing with almost the identical situation, except my penalty is $580 for not reporting some gig work i did. called for weeks with no luck. finally broke down and used claimyr.com after seeing it recommended here. got a callback within 3 hrs and explained my situation. the rep actually helped me file for a waiver since it was my first offense! worth a shot for u too