NYDOL monetary determination letter says I don't qualify despite 20 years of work. Help!
Hey everyone, I'm having some issues with my unemployment claim and could use some advice. I've been working consistently for 20 years, but I just got a monetary determination letter saying I don't qualify due to my earnings during the base quarters. This doesn't make sense to me. Has anyone else dealt with this? Also, does anyone know how long it usually takes for a claim to be processed? And how do they calculate the weekly benefit amount? I'm trying to figure out what I might get if I'm approved.
19 comments
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Natasha Petrova
Ugh, the unemployment system is such a mess rn. I've been dealing with similar issues for weeks. Have you tried calling them? It's a nightmare to get through, but it might be your best bet to get this sorted out.
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Javier Hernandez
•Calling is useless, I've been trying for days and can't get through. It's like they don't want us to get help 🙄
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Emma Davis
•I found a way to get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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LunarLegend
•Wait, you had to PAY to talk to unemployment? That's messed up. Is that even legal?
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Emma Davis
•I know it sounds sketchy, but it's legit. They're not affiliated with the unemployment office, just a service that does the waiting for you. Saved me hours of frustration tbh
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Malik Jackson
•Thx for the tip! Might give it a try if I keep striking out on my own. This whole process is driving me nuts 🤪
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Isabella Oliveira
Ok, let me break this down for you: 1. Processing time: Usually takes 2-3 weeks, but can be longer if there are issues or they're swamped. 2. Monetary determination: They look at your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). If the letter says you don't qualify, double-check their math. Sometimes they miss employers or quarters. 3. Weekly benefit calculation: It's typically about 1/26 of your highest quarter earnings in the base period. So if your highest quarter was $7000, you'd get around $269 per week. 4. Next steps: Definitely appeal if you think there's a mistake. Gather all your wage info and tax documents to prove your case. Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more info.
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Oliver Becker
•Thank you so much for breaking it down like this! It's really helpful. I'll definitely double-check their calculations and appeal if necessary.
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Ravi Patel
•This is great info! Quick question - does overtime pay count in the base period calculations?
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Isabella Oliveira
•Yep, overtime should be included in your base period earnings. Make sure to check your pay stubs against what they have on record!
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Freya Andersen
I had the exact same problem last month! Turns out they had my SSN wrong by one digit, so none of my wages were showing up. Check for any typos in your info, it could be something dumb like that.
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Omar Zaki
anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to make us give up? 🤔 like they make it so complicated on purpose smh
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CosmicCrusader
•100% agree. It's a total clown show 🤡
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Chloe Robinson
•Nah, I think they're just understaffed and overwhelmed. Still sucks tho
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Diego Flores
Pro tip: keep a log of EVERYTHING. Every call, letter, email. You never know when you'll need to prove you did something or they said something. Saved my butt more than once!
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Oliver Becker
•That's a great idea, thanks! I'll start doing that right away.
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Anastasia Kozlov
have u tried reaching out to ur local state rep? sometimes they can help push things thru faster
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Sean Flanagan
•This! My rep's office was super helpful when I was stuck in limbo for months. Def worth a shot
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Zara Mirza
Oof, sorry you're dealing with this. I'm in the same boat, been waiting 6 weeks now. Hang in there!
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