Laid off due to rapid improvements technology - what type of unemployment benefits am I eligible for?
Got laid off last month because my company automated my entire department with new software. They said it was a 'technological advancement' and they don't need our positions anymore. I worked there for 6 years doing data entry and inventory management. Filed for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor but I'm confused about what this counts as - is this considered structural unemployment or something else? Does it affect what benefits I can get? My claim is still pending and I'm worried they might deny it because of the reason for separation.
9 comments
Join the conversation
Luca Esposito
This is definitely structural unemployment - when technology replaces jobs permanently. But for NYS Department of Labor purposes, what matters is that you were laid off through no fault of your own. As long as your employer reported it as a layoff and not misconduct, you should qualify for regular UI benefits. The reason (technology, downsizing, etc.) doesn't change your eligibility.
0 coins
StarStrider
•That's a relief! I was worried they might consider it different somehow. My employer did say it was a layoff on my separation papers.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
same thing happened to me when they brought in those automated checkout systems at my retail job. took forever to get through but eventually got approved for benefits
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
You'll want to make sure you're meeting the job search requirements while your claim processes. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Since your skills might need updating due to the tech changes, consider looking into retraining programs - they sometimes have exceptions for the job search requirement if you're in approved training.
0 coins
StarStrider
•Good point about retraining. I've been thinking I need to learn new software anyway since everything is so automated now.
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS! Companies just replace us with machines and we're supposed to be grateful for scraps from unemployment. Been dealing with this crap for months trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor.
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
•I get the frustration but if you're having trouble reaching them, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
0 coins
NeonNova
Wait so if I get laid off because they bring in AI or robots that's still regular unemployment?? I thought there might be special benefits for that or something?
0 coins
Luca Esposito
•No special category for tech displacement in NY unemployment system. It's just a regular layoff for benefit purposes. Some states have retraining funds but the actual unemployment benefits are the same regardless of why you were laid off.
0 coins