NYS Department of Labor - how to maximize unemployment benefits legally and properly
I just got laid off from my job at a manufacturing company after 8 years and I'm filing for unemployment for the first time. I want to make sure I'm doing everything right to get the maximum benefits I'm entitled to. I know the weekly benefit amount is based on your previous earnings, but are there any strategies or requirements I should know about to maximize unemployment benefits? I've heard there are job search requirements and other rules that could affect your payments. What's the best way to handle the application process and weekly claims to ensure I get full benefits without any issues?
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Owen Jenkins
The key to maximizing your NYS Department of Labor benefits is being completely accurate with your wage information during the initial application. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated from your highest earning quarter in your base period, so make sure all your W-2 information is correct. Also, file your weekly claims on time every week - even a day late can cause payment delays. Keep detailed records of your job search activities because you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week to maintain eligibility.
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Alice Coleman
•Thank you! I didn't realize the job search requirement was 3 contacts per week. Do I need to keep records of these or just report them?
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Lilah Brooks
Make sure you understand the difference between your gross weekly benefit and what you'll actually receive. NYS Department of Labor will deduct federal taxes if you elect to have them withheld (which I recommend). Also, if you do any part-time work while collecting, report it honestly - you can still receive partial benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $50. Don't try to hide income because they will find out and you'll face overpayment issues.
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Alice Coleman
•Good point about the tax withholding. Is there a penalty if I don't have taxes withheld and owe at the end of the year?
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Jackson Carter
honestly the system is so confusing and they make it hard on purpose... ive been trying to figure out my benefit amount for weeks and the website keeps giving me different numbers
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Kolton Murphy
I had a really hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about maximizing my benefits. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was super helpful for getting clarification on my weekly benefit calculation and job search requirements. Definitely worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching someone.
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Alice Coleman
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out if I run into issues with getting through to them.
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Evelyn Rivera
Wait, am I supposed to be doing 3 job searches every single week?? I thought it was just when they asked for it during the weekly claim! This is so stressful, what if I haven't been doing enough and they find out? Can they make me pay back benefits??
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Owen Jenkins
•Yes, it's 3 job contacts per week and you need to keep records. But don't panic - if you haven't been doing it consistently, just start now and maintain good records going forward. They typically only audit job search records if there's a specific issue with your claim.
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Julia Hall
been on unemployment twice and the max you can get depends on what you made before. there's no magic trick to get more money than what the formula calculates based on your wages. just file on time and follow the rules
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