NYS Department of Labor asking for reason for unemployment - what exactly do they want?
I'm filling out my initial unemployment claim and there's a section asking for my 'reason for unemployment' but I'm not sure what level of detail they want. I was laid off from my job at a manufacturing company due to downsizing - do I just write 'laid off' or do they want more specifics? Also worried about saying the wrong thing and having it hurt my claim. Has anyone dealt with this part of the application recently?
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Aidan Percy
For the reason section, keep it simple and factual. 'Laid off due to company downsizing' or 'reduction in workforce' is perfect. NYS Department of Labor mainly wants to distinguish between voluntary quit, termination for cause, and layoffs. Since you were laid off through no fault of your own, you should be fine as long as you're honest about the circumstances.
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Axel Bourke
•Thank you! That makes me feel better. I was overthinking it and worried about writing too much or too little.
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Fernanda Marquez
yeah just put laid off, they dont need your life story lol. i put 'position eliminated' when my department got cut and had no issues
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Norman Fraser
The reason for unemployment field is used by NYS Department of Labor to determine your eligibility. Since you mentioned downsizing, that falls under 'lack of work' which is a qualifying reason. Be prepared for them to potentially contact your former employer to verify, so make sure whatever you write matches what your employer would say if asked.
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Kendrick Webb
•Wait, they actually call employers? I thought they just took your word for it unless there was a dispute.
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Norman Fraser
•They don't always call, but they can verify employment details if needed. Most layoffs are straightforward and don't require additional verification unless your former employer contests the claim.
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Hattie Carson
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my claim status after filing. If you run into issues getting through to them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me connect with an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call and getting busy signals.
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Destiny Bryant
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did it actually work for getting through?
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Hattie Carson
•Yeah it did! I was skeptical at first but I really needed to talk to someone about my adjudication status and this got me connected same day.
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Dyllan Nantx
Been through this whole process twice unfortunately. Both times I just wrote exactly what happened in simple terms - first time was 'company closed', second time was 'laid off due to budget cuts'. No problems either time. The key is being truthful because if there's any discrepancy later it can cause major headaches with your claim.
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