NYS Department of Labor - how to get the most out of unemployment benefits and services
I just got laid off from my manufacturing job after 8 years and honestly I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the NYS Department of Labor stuff. I know I need to file for unemployment but I feel like there's probably a lot more I should be doing to really maximize what's available to me during this time. Like are there job training programs? Extra services? Things most people don't know about? I want to make sure I'm not leaving money or opportunities on the table while I'm looking for work. Has anyone been through this and figured out how to get the most out of unemployment beyond just the weekly payments?
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Dmitry Volkov
First thing - make sure you understand your weekly benefit amount calculation. NYS uses your highest quarter earnings from your base period, and if you worked overtime regularly that can bump up your weekly benefit rate. Also look into the job search requirements - you need 3 work search activities per week but some activities like attending job fairs or career workshops count and can actually help you more than just applying online.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Thanks! I had no idea about the overtime affecting the calculation. I worked a lot of OT last year so that's good to know.
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StarSeeker
Definitely check out the WIOA programs through your local One-Stop Career Center. They offer free training for in-demand jobs and you can sometimes get your unemployment extended while you're in training. I did a 6-month welding certification program and they covered tuition plus I kept getting my UI benefits the whole time.
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Ava Martinez
•How do you find these programs? Is there a website or do you have to go somewhere in person?
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StarSeeker
•You can search for your local American Job Center on the CareerOneStop website, or just call the NYS Department of Labor and they'll connect you. Most have both in-person and virtual services now.
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Miguel Ortiz
honestly the system is so confusing and when you call NYS Department of Labor you just get busy signals or get hung up on after waiting forever. i've been trying to ask about extending my benefits for weeks
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Zainab Omar
•I had the same problem reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about my claim status. Someone on here mentioned a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents - claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then conference you in when they get an agent on the line. Worked for me after trying to call for 2 weeks straight.
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Dmitry Volkov
Don't forget about the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program if you get selected. It's mandatory but they provide personalized job search assistance and can connect you to additional resources. Also, if you're thinking about starting your own business, look into the Self-Employment Assistance Program - you can use your unemployment benefits to support yourself while getting a business off the ground.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Self-employment assistance sounds interesting. Are there restrictions on what type of business you can start?
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Dmitry Volkov
•You need to get approved for the program first and show a viable business plan. It's not available everywhere in NY but definitely worth asking about if you have a serious business idea.
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Connor Murphy
make sure ur keeping detailed records of everything!! job search log, any training you do, correspondence with employers. if they ever audit your claim you want to have everything documented
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