NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits questions - confused about my claim status
I'm really confused about my unemployment benefits and have several questions that I can't find clear answers to anywhere. I filed my initial claim about 6 weeks ago after getting laid off from my warehouse job. My claim was approved and I've been filing my weekly claims, but now I'm getting nervous because some things don't make sense to me. First, do I have to accept any job offer even if it pays way less than my previous job? I was making $18/hour and someone offered me a job for $12/hour but it's 45 minutes away. Second, I got a letter saying something about 'job search activities' but I'm not sure what counts. Does applying online count or do I need to do something else? Third, my benefit amount seems lower than what I calculated it should be based on my wages. Who can I talk to about this? I've tried calling the NYS Department of Labor but can never get through. Any help would be really appreciated because I'm starting to panic about doing something wrong.
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Omar Fawzi
Don't panic! Let me help clarify these unemployment benefits questions. First, you don't have to accept any job that pays significantly less than your previous wage - generally you can refuse jobs that pay less than 80% of your previous wage during the first few weeks of your claim. For the $12/hour job, that's way below your $18/hour so you can refuse it. Second, yes online applications count for job search activities! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This can include online applications, contacting employers directly, or attending job fairs. Third, your benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period, not your most recent wages. It might be worth checking your wage history in your NY.gov account to see if they have the right information.
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Freya Johansen
•Thank you so much! That really helps ease my mind. I was so worried about the job refusal thing. Where do I keep this job search log you mentioned? Is there a specific form?
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Chloe Wilson
For the job search log, you can use the NYS Department of Labor form or just keep your own record with employer names, dates, and method of contact. The important thing is having documentation if they ask for it during an audit. As for your benefit amount being lower, definitely check your quarterly wage history online. Sometimes employers don't report wages correctly or there's a delay in processing. If you think there's an error, you can request a wage investigation.
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Diego Mendoza
•I had the same issue with my wages being reported wrong and it took forever to get through to someone to fix it. The phone system is impossible.
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Anastasia Romanov
About getting through to NYS Department of Labor - I was having the same problem calling for weeks trying to resolve an issue with my claim. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to unemployment agents by phone. I was skeptical but tried it at claimyr.com and watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI). It actually worked and I got connected to someone within an hour who helped fix my wage issue. Might be worth trying if you need to talk to someone about your benefit calculation.
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Freya Johansen
•Really? That sounds almost too good to be true. Did it cost a lot to use?
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Anastasia Romanov
•It's not free but honestly it was worth it to finally talk to someone instead of calling hundreds of times. They focus on the value of getting through rather than the cost.
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StellarSurfer
wait so you can really refuse jobs that pay less?? I thought you had to take whatever you could get or they'd cut off your benefits. this is good to know
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Omar Fawzi
•Yes, but there are rules about what constitutes 'suitable work' and it changes over time. Early in your claim you have more flexibility to refuse lower-paying jobs.
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Sean Kelly
The whole unemployment system is so confusing and they make it seem like you're doing something wrong for even filing. I've been dealing with issues for months and every time I call I get hung up on or transferred to nowhere. It's like they don't want to help people who actually need the benefits they paid into.
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Zara Malik
•I feel you on this. It's frustrating but hang in there.
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