NYS Department of Labor claim denied due to prison record - how did this lead to unemployment issues?
I'm really confused about something and hoping someone here can help me understand. I just got out after serving 18 months and I'm trying to file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor. My case worker mentioned that the prison work programs I was in might affect my eligibility somehow? I worked in the kitchen and laundry facility while incarcerated, but now I'm being told this could complicate my UI claim. Has anyone dealt with this before? I need to understand how my time inside is affecting my ability to get unemployment benefits now that I'm trying to get back on my feet.
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Landon Morgan
Prison work programs don't count as covered employment for unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires you to have worked in jobs where unemployment taxes were paid. The work you did while incarcerated wasn't regular employment - it was part of your sentence. You'll need to find actual employment first before you can qualify for UI benefits.
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Ellie Perry
•So I can't get any help while I'm looking for work? That seems really unfair when I was working the whole time I was inside.
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Teresa Boyd
yeah this is messed up, the system basically sets you up to fail when you get out. i had the same problem last year
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Ellie Perry
•What did you end up doing? Did you find any programs that helped with the transition?
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Lourdes Fox
You should look into reentry programs through the Department of Labor. They have specific initiatives for people with criminal records. Also check if you qualify for SNAP or other assistance while you're job hunting. The unemployment system wasn't designed for people transitioning from incarceration, but there are other support systems available.
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Ellie Perry
•Thank you, I'll look into those programs. Do you know if having a record affects what jobs I can apply for with the job search requirements?
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Bruno Simmons
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on reentry programs until I used Claimyr. You can check out their site at claimyr.com - they help you actually get through to speak with an agent instead of being stuck in phone queues. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me get answers about specialized programs I didn't know existed.
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Ellie Perry
•Thanks, I'll check that out. Getting through to someone who actually knows about reentry stuff has been impossible so far.
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Aileen Rodriguez
this whole system is rigged against people trying to do better. they want you to work but then make it impossible to survive while you're looking
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Connor Gallagher
I went through something similar when I got out 3 years ago. The key thing to understand is that you need to have "qualifying wages" from covered employment - basically jobs where your employer paid unemployment insurance taxes on your behalf. Prison work programs don't count because no UI taxes were paid. However, don't give up! There are workaround programs specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals. Contact your local American Job Center (One-Stop Career Center) - they have federal funding for reentry employment services. Also look into the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, which gives employers incentives to hire people with criminal records. Some temp agencies specialize in helping people with records get that initial work history you need to eventually qualify for UI benefits. The system is frustrating, but there are people out there specifically trained to help navigate these barriers.
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