How does unemployment compensation work in NYS - confused about the whole process
I might need to file for unemployment soon and I'm totally lost about how unemployment compensation actually works. Like what's the process? Do I just apply online and start getting money? How much do they pay you and for how long? I've never done this before and honestly don't even know where to start with the NYS Department of Labor system. Can someone break this down for me in simple terms?
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Manny Lark
The basic process is you file an initial claim through the NYS Department of Labor website, then file weekly claims to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. Your benefit amount is based on your past wages - usually around 50% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum of $504 per week in NY. You can collect for up to 26 weeks normally. You need to have worked enough quarters and earned enough wages to qualify.
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Liam Duke
AuthorThanks! So I file the initial claim first, then weekly claims after that? How do they verify I'm actually looking for work?
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Rita Jacobs
You'll need to keep a job search log showing you're applying to at least 3 jobs per week. The NYS Department of Labor can audit this so keep records of where you applied, when, and any responses. Also make sure you're available for work - if you turn down suitable job offers it can affect your benefits.
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Khalid Howes
Wait, is it 3 jobs per week? I thought it was different depending on your situation
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Rita Jacobs
For most people it's 3 job contacts per week, but there are some exceptions like if you're on standby status with your employer or in certain training programs.
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Ben Cooper
honestly the whole system is a nightmare to navigate, the website crashes all the time and trying to get someone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor is basically impossible
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Naila Gordon
I had trouble reaching them too until I used Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me when my claim got stuck in adjudication.
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Ben Cooper
never heard of that but might be worth trying if I run into issues
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Cynthia Love
same boat here, lost my job last month and still figuring this out
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Darren Brooks
One thing to watch out for - if there are any issues with your claim it can go into adjudication which means delays while they investigate. This can happen if your employer contests the claim or if there are questions about why you left your job. During adjudication you won't get paid until it's resolved, which can take weeks or even months sometimes.
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Liam Duke
AuthorOh no, that sounds scary. What kind of things would make them investigate?
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Darren Brooks
Things like being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or if your employer says you were actually laid off for different reasons than what you claimed. Just be honest on your application about why you left your job.
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