NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits not covering my expenses - what if unemployment is not enough?
I've been collecting unemployment for 6 weeks now and I'm getting $347 per week from NYS Department of Labor. Problem is my rent alone is $1,200 and I have car payments, utilities, groceries. Even with the maximum benefit amount I qualified for, what if unemployment is not enough to survive? I'm already behind on bills and my savings are gone. Are there other programs I can apply for while collecting UI? I'm doing my job searches every week but nothing's coming through yet.
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Nia Thompson
You should look into SNAP benefits and local food banks immediately. Your unemployment income might qualify you for food assistance which will free up money for other bills. Also check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs - many still have COVID relief funds available.
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Luca Esposito
•Thank you! I didn't even think about food stamps. Do you know if getting SNAP affects my unemployment eligibility with NYS Department of Labor?
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Mateo Rodriguez
No SNAP won't affect your UI benefits at all. They're completely separate programs. I was in the same situation last year - unemployment alone doesn't cover cost of living for most people anymore. You can also look into utility assistance programs through HEAP and see if any local churches or nonprofits have emergency bill help.
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Aisha Abdullah
•This is so true, the maximum weekly benefit hasn't kept up with inflation at all
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Ethan Wilson
Have you tried calling NYS Department of Labor to see if there are any work programs or training opportunities that might give you additional income while you're claiming? Sometimes they have programs that let you work part-time and still collect partial benefits.
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Luca Esposito
•I've tried calling but can never get through. The phone lines are always busy and I get disconnected after waiting for hours.
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NeonNova
•You should try claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. I used them last month when I couldn't reach anyone about my adjudication issue. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way easier than sitting on hold for hours.
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Yuki Tanaka
same boat here!! my UI is like $280/week and my mortgage is $1800 😠this system is broken
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Nia Thompson
•Check with your mortgage company about forbearance options if you haven't already. Many lenders are still offering payment deferrals for unemployment situations.
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Carmen Diaz
Are you claiming the maximum amount you're eligible for? Sometimes people don't realize they can request a recalculation if their base period wages were higher than what NYS Department of Labor initially used. Worth double checking your monetary determination letter.
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Luca Esposito
•How do I check that? I just took whatever amount they gave me when I filed.
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