Is unemployment worth filing for if I only worked part-time in NY?
I'm wondering if unemployment benefits are even worth applying for in my situation. I was working part-time at a retail job for about 8 months, maybe 25 hours a week at $16/hour. Got laid off last week due to slow business. My friend said the NYS Department of Labor weekly benefit amount might be really low for part-time workers, and the job search requirements might be more hassle than it's worth. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What kind of weekly benefit can I expect, and is the whole process going to be a nightmare for someone who wasn't full-time?
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Noah Torres
You should definitely file! Even part-time earnings can qualify you for unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter, so if you worked consistently, you might get more than you think. The minimum weekly benefit is $104, and you could potentially get up to $504 depending on your earnings history. The job search requirements are the same regardless - 3 work search activities per week. Don't let the paperwork scare you away from money you're entitled to.
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Natalie Wang
•Thanks! I had no idea the minimum was $104. That would actually help a lot with my rent. Do you know how long the application process usually takes?
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Samantha Hall
Yeah file for sure but honestly the NYS Department of Labor system is super slow right now. My claim took like 3 weeks to get approved and I'm still waiting on back payments from 2 weeks ago. The website crashes all the time too. Just be prepared for delays.
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Ryan Young
I was in almost the exact same situation last year - part-time retail, about 20-30 hours a week. I was hesitant to file too but ended up getting $180 per week for 26 weeks. Totally worth it! The key is to file immediately - your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you get approved. You can file online at my.ny.gov or call the NYS Department of Labor at 888-209-8124, though good luck getting through on the phone.
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Natalie Wang
•Wow $180 a week is way more than I expected! Did you have any trouble with the job search requirements working retail?
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Ryan Young
•Not really - you just need to document 3 work search activities per week. Applying online, going to job fairs, networking events all count. I mostly applied to retail and customer service jobs online and that was fine.
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Sophia Clark
Ugh I'm so frustrated with the NYS Department of Labor right now!!! I've been calling for WEEKS trying to get someone to fix an issue with my weekly claim and can never get through. The automated system just hangs up on you after being on hold forever. How is anyone supposed to get help when they make it impossible to reach them??
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Katherine Harris
•I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr. They basically call the NYS Department of Labor for you and get you connected to an actual agent. I was skeptical at first but they got me through in like 20 minutes after I'd been trying for weeks myself. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Honestly saved my sanity.
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Madison Allen
definitely file! even if its not a ton of money every bit helps when you're unemployed. the worst they can say is no but you'll probably qualify
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Aaron Boston
I filed for unemployment after working part-time at a grocery store for about 6 months (roughly 28 hours/week at $15/hour) and I'm so glad I did! I ended up getting $165 per week which made a huge difference while job hunting. The application wasn't too bad - I did it online through my.ny.gov and it took maybe 30 minutes to complete. Just make sure you have your employment dates, employer info, and reason for separation ready. The hardest part was actually getting through the initial phone interview to confirm everything, but once that was done the weekly certifications are pretty straightforward. Don't overthink it - you paid into the system, so you deserve to use it when you need it!
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