How does ny unemployment actually work? Does my old employer foot the bill?

Your former employer doesn't directly write your unemployment check, but they do indirectly pay for it. Companies in NY pay unemployment insurance taxes based on their payroll and how many former employees collect benefits. So when you collect unemployment, their tax rate can go up. That's probably why they're suddenly offering you part-time hours - if you work part-time, your unemployment benefits get reduced, which saves them money in the long run.

Got tired of trying to reach ny unemployment by phone so I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got someone on the phone for me! Saved me hours of waiting on hold. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast after weeks of nothing. Check out this video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Employers pay into the unemployment insurance fund quarterly based on their payroll size and history of layoffs. Its not a fine - more like insurance. If they let go of more workers who claim benefits, their rates go up (kinda like when you crash your car, your car insurance goes up). That's why some companies fight legitimate unemployment claims - they dont wanna pay higher rates.

They're 100% trying to reduce their unemployment insurance costs! My company does this all the time. They'll offer you juuuust enough hours to reduce your benefits but not enough to actually live on. Be careful about accepting - if you refuse work it can mess up your benefits, but sometimes the offered work can be considered "unsuitable" if it's way less hours/pay than your original job.

Lol dont feel bad about collecting UI. Your employer isnt paying you direct - they already paid into the system with UI taxes while you were working there. Thats literally what its for!!! You paid into it too with every paycheck! Take what you deserve 💯

Here's a detailed breakdown of how NY unemployment insurance actually works: Employers pay unemployment taxes based on their experience rating (how many former employees claim benefits). When you file for unemployment, your former employer's account is essentially "charged" for your benefits, which can increase their future tax rate. If they're offering you part-time work, they're probably trying to lower their unemployment costs. BUT - you should know that in NY, you can still claim partial benefits if you work part-time. The system lets you earn up to $504 in partial unemployment plus whatever you make at the part-time job (with some reductions). Be strategic about this. If they're offering very limited hours, you might be better off with full unemployment. If they're offering substantial hours, the combined income might be better. One thing - if you're having trouble getting through to unemployment to ask questions about this, try claimyr.com. They can get you connected to a real agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. Getting actual answers from a live person made all the difference for me. Hope this helps!

totally off topic but has anyone else noticed how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get anyone on the phone at unemployment lately??? I've been calling for THREE DAYS straight and can't get through 😡

I worked in HR for a retailer for years. So yes, employers do pay for unemployment insurance based on their past history. Companies that have lots of layoffs pay higher rates than stable companies. This is why they might try to get you to come back part-time - it reduces their costs. But here's the thing: you are ENTITLED to these benefits if you were laid off. Don't feel bad about collecting! The system is designed this way on purpose.

everybody in this thread acting like the employer is evil for offering part time work lol. maybe they actually do need help and are offering it to previous employees first? not everything is a conspiracy

Just to add some actual numbers - in NY, employers pay UI tax on the first $12,000 of each employee's wages. The rates range from 0.6% to 7.2% depending on their experience rating (how many claims they've had). So yeah, they definitely have financial incentive to get you back on payroll even part time.