How does unemployment affect food insecurity - struggling to afford groceries on NYS Department of Labor benefits
I've been on unemployment for 6 weeks now and I'm really struggling to afford groceries. The NYS Department of Labor weekly benefit amount just isn't covering my basic needs, especially food costs. Before losing my job I was making decent money at a manufacturing plant but now I'm getting $420/week which has to cover rent, utilities, and food. I've had to visit food pantries twice already this month which is embarrassing but necessary. Has anyone else dealt with food insecurity while on unemployment? Are there any programs that work alongside NYS Department of Labor benefits to help with food costs? I'm worried about my kids not getting enough to eat.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
You should definitely apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) if you haven't already! Being on unemployment actually makes you eligible and the income limits are higher when you're receiving NYS Department of Labor benefits. You can apply online through mybenefits.ny.gov and they'll coordinate with your unemployment claim status. Also check if your kids qualify for free school meals - unemployment definitely qualifies them.
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Talia Klein
•Thank you! I didn't know unemployment made SNAP easier to get. I'll apply today.
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PaulineW
been there, it sucks. the unemployment payments barely cover anything these days with inflation. i had to use food banks too when i was between jobs last year
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Annabel Kimball
Food insecurity is unfortunately very common during unemployment periods. Beyond SNAP, look into local food pantries, churches, and community organizations. Many don't require any paperwork and understand that people on NYS Department of Labor benefits are struggling. The 211 hotline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local food assistance programs. Also, if you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to check on any pending benefits or resolve claim issues, I used claimyr.com recently - they helped me get through to an actual agent when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Talia Klein
•I'll try 211, that sounds really helpful. Thanks for the claimyr suggestion too - I've been trying to call about increasing my benefit amount but can never get through.
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Chris Elmeda
This is exactly why the unemployment system is broken! $420 a week is poverty wages and the government expects people to survive on that?? Meanwhile they make it impossible to get through to NYS Department of Labor when you need help. I was on unemployment for 4 months and lost 15 pounds because I couldn't afford food AND rent.
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Jean Claude
•I hear you on the frustration but there are resources available if you know where to look. The system isn't perfect but SNAP + unemployment + food pantries can get you through.
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Charity Cohan
WIC might help too if you have young kids. And some grocery stores have programs for people on government benefits. Also make sure you're doing your weekly certifications on time with NYS Department of Labor so you don't miss any payments!
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Josef Tearle
Have you tried talking to your caseworker about emergency assistance? Sometimes there are one-time grants available for people experiencing food insecurity while on unemployment. Not sure if NYS Department of Labor has those programs but worth asking.
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Talia Klein
•I didn't know there were caseworkers for unemployment? I thought you just filed online and that was it.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•Regular unemployment doesn't have caseworkers like welfare programs do. But you can call NYS Department of Labor if you're having specific hardship issues.
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