How does filing unemployment affect the employer - worried about my boss finding out
I got laid off from my job at a small marketing company two weeks ago and I need to file for unemployment benefits but I'm really worried about how this will affect my former employer. My boss seemed pretty stressed about finances when they let me go and I don't want to make things worse for the company. I know they have to pay into the unemployment system but I'm not sure exactly how it works. Will my claim directly cost them money? Will they get notified that I filed? I'm scared they might give me a bad reference if they think I'm costing them extra. Has anyone dealt with this situation before? I really need the benefits but I also need to maintain a good relationship with my former employer for future job references.
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Aidan Percy
Your employer already pays unemployment insurance taxes regardless of whether you file or not. It's like any other insurance - they pay premiums and when claims happen, that's what the insurance is for. Yes, they'll be notified of your claim because NYS Department of Labor needs to verify your employment and wages, but this is completely normal and expected. Your employer can't retaliate against you for filing a legitimate claim.
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Axel Bourke
•That makes me feel a bit better. So they were already paying into the system even when I was working there? I guess I just assumed they only had to pay when someone filed a claim.
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Fernanda Marquez
The way it works is employers pay quarterly unemployment insurance taxes based on their payroll and their experience rating. If they have more claims, their rate might go up over time, but your individual claim isn't going to bankrupt them or anything. They knew this was a possibility when they laid you off. Don't feel guilty about using a system that exists exactly for situations like yours.
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Norman Fraser
•This is exactly right. I manage payroll for a small business and we budget for UI taxes every quarter. It's just part of doing business and employing people.
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Kendrick Webb
omg I was worried about the same thing when I got fired!! but honestly my old boss was super understanding when NYS Department of Labor contacted them for verification. they even wished me luck finding a new job. most employers get that this stuff happens and they're not going to hold it against you personally
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Axel Bourke
•Really? That's so reassuring to hear! I was imagining all kinds of worst case scenarios but maybe I'm overthinking this.
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Hattie Carson
Look, if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to actually file your claim, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used them when I couldn't get through the phone lines for weeks. Much easier than spending hours on hold just to get disconnected.
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Destiny Bryant
•How does that even work? Do they just call for you or something?
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Hattie Carson
•Yeah basically they handle the calling and waiting part, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me so much frustration.
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Dyllan Nantx
Just file the claim already! You paid into this system through your paycheck deductions and your employer has been paying their part too. It's not charity, it's insurance you've earned. Don't let guilt stop you from getting benefits you're entitled to.
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Axel Bourke
•You're absolutely right. I guess I just needed to hear that it's okay to use the system when I actually need it.
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