Is unemployment down - can I still file a new claim with NYS Department of Labor?
I've been hearing that unemployment rates are lower now but I just lost my job last week after working at a restaurant for 8 months. My manager said they had to let people go because business slowed down after the holidays. I'm wondering if the fact that unemployment is down means it's harder to get benefits now? Can I still file a claim with NYS Department of Labor or do they have different requirements when unemployment rates are low? I've never filed before and I'm really confused about the process.
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Anastasia Smirnova
Unemployment rates being down doesn't affect your eligibility for benefits at all. If you lost your job through no fault of your own (which sounds like your situation), you can absolutely file a claim. You'll need to meet the work history requirements - sounds like 8 months should be enough. Go to my.ny.gov and start your application as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.
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Diego Chavez
•Thank you! I was worried they might have stricter rules or something. I'll start the application today.
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Sean O'Brien
yeah the unemployment rate has nothing to do with whether you can file, its about whether you qualified for benefits based on your work history and how you lost the job
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Zara Shah
The unemployment rate being low actually means there are more jobs available, which might help you find work faster, but it doesn't change NYS Department of Labor eligibility rules. You'll need to do your weekly job search - I think it's 3 job contacts per week now. Make sure you keep a log of where you apply because they might ask for it during your weekly claim certifications.
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Luca Bianchi
•Wait, is it 3 job contacts? I thought it was 2. I've been doing 2 for the past month and now I'm panicking that I've been doing it wrong!
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Zara Shah
•It depends on your situation. Generally it's 3 work search activities per week, but some people have different requirements. Check your determination letter or log into your account to see what your specific requirement is.
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GalacticGuardian
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I filed last year. The phone lines are always busy no matter what the unemployment rate is. If you need to talk to someone and can't get through, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me when my claim got stuck in adjudication.
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Nia Harris
•How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to reach our own state agency.
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GalacticGuardian
•I hear you on that frustration, but when you really need to get through and the regular methods aren't working, it was worth it for me. The alternative was waiting weeks with no income while my claim sat there.
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Mateo Gonzalez
Good luck with your claim! Restaurant workers usually qualify unless there were performance issues. Just make sure you have your employer's information ready when you file - you'll need their address and your dates of employment.
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