How do tariffs affect unemployment benefits in NYS Department of Labor system?
I work in manufacturing and there's been talk at my job about potential layoffs due to new tariff policies affecting our supply chain costs. If I end up getting laid off because of tariffs, does this impact my NYS Department of Labor unemployment claim in any way? Would this be considered different from a regular layoff? I'm trying to understand if trade policy changes create any special circumstances for UI benefits or if it's just processed like any other involuntary separation. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
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Mia Green
From an unemployment perspective, a layoff due to tariffs is treated the same as any other economic layoff by NYS Department of Labor. What matters is that you were separated through no fault of your own. The underlying economic reason (tariffs, recession, company restructuring) doesn't change your eligibility. You'll still need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements just like anyone else.
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Sophia Rodriguez
•That's reassuring to know. I was worried there might be some special category or different rules. So I'd just file normally if it happens?
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Emma Bianchi
yeah my buddy got laid off last year when his factory closed due to trade issues and he got regular unemployment no problem
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Lucas Kowalski
There might be additional federal programs available for workers affected by trade policies - look into Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) which can provide extended benefits and retraining. But for basic NYS Department of Labor unemployment, it's processed like any involuntary separation. Make sure your employer correctly codes the separation reason when they report it.
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Olivia Martinez
•Wait, so there ARE special programs? I'm getting confused about what's available versus regular UI benefits. Can you get both at the same time?
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Charlie Yang
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible! If you do end up needing to file, I found this 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. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Sophia Rodriguez
•Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I need to contact them. Hopefully I won't need unemployment at all but good to know there are ways to actually reach someone.
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Grace Patel
The whole system is backwards anyway. Companies get to destroy people's livelihoods because of political decisions and we're left scrambling for crumbs from NYS Department of Labor. Been through this twice in my career and it never gets easier.
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ApolloJackson
Hope everything works out for you! Manufacturing jobs are tough right now with all the economic uncertainty. At least unemployment is there as a safety net if you need it.
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