If you get laid off can you collect unemployment - NYS Department of Labor eligibility?
My company just announced they're doing layoffs next month and I might be affected. I've never been on unemployment before so I'm totally clueless about this stuff. If you get laid off can you collect unemployment benefits in New York? I've been working at this job for about 2 years full time. What do I need to do if it happens? How much would I even get? Really stressed about this whole situation.
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Avery Flores
Yes, layoffs definitely qualify you for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. Since you were laid off through no fault of your own, you should be eligible. You'll need to file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. The amount depends on your earnings over the past 18 months - typically it's about 50% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum benefit amount. You can file online at my.ny.gov.
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Caden Nguyen
•Thanks! Do I need to wait until my actual last day or can I file before that? And how long does it take to get approved?
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Zoe Gonzalez
File the claim on your first day of unemployment, not before. The NYS Department of Labor processes most straightforward layoff claims pretty quickly - usually within 1-2 weeks if there are no issues. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation ready when you file.
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Ashley Adams
•This is good advice. Also keep any layoff notice or documentation from your employer - NYS Department of Labor might ask for it later.
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Alexis Robinson
ugh the whole system is such a mess though... took me forever to get through when i got laid off last year. kept getting errors on the website and calling was impossible
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Aaron Lee
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.
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Chloe Mitchell
Just make sure you start doing your job search requirements right away! NYS Department of Labor requires you to look for work and keep a log of your activities. Don't wait on this part or they can deny your benefits.
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Caden Nguyen
•Wait what job search requirements? How many jobs do I have to apply to per week?
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Avery Flores
•You need to complete 3 work search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Keep detailed records in case NYS Department of Labor asks for them during an audit.
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Michael Adams
yeah if you get laid off you can definitely collect. i was on unemployment for like 6 months after my company downsized. just file asap and do your weekly claims on time
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Yuki Kobayashi
Sorry to hear about the potential layoff situation - that's really stressful! Just wanted to add that when you do file with NYS Department of Labor, make sure you have your direct deposit info ready so you can get payments faster once approved. Also, if your employer offers any severance package, that might affect when your benefits start, so mention it when you file your claim. The good news is layoffs are pretty straightforward cases for unemployment eligibility compared to other separation reasons.
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Jace Caspullo
•That's a great point about severance pay! @Caden Nguyen - definitely be upfront about any severance when you file. NYS Department of Labor has specific rules about how severance affects your benefit start date. Some types of severance might delay when you can start collecting, but it s'better to report it accurately from the beginning than have issues later. The direct deposit tip is solid too - saves you from waiting for checks in the mail.
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