NYS Department of Labor unemployment - how to manage credit during unemployment benefits
Been on unemployment for 6 weeks now and starting to stress about my credit cards and loans. My NYS Department of Labor benefits are only covering about 60% of what I was making before. I've been trying to keep up with minimum payments but it's getting really tight. Has anyone dealt with managing credit during unemployment? Should I contact my credit card companies now or wait until I actually miss a payment? Also wondering if there are any protections for people on UI benefits that I should know about.
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Beatrice Marshall
Contact your creditors NOW before you miss any payments. Most credit card companies have hardship programs for people on unemployment. They can temporarily reduce your minimum payments or even defer payments for a few months. I did this when I was on NYS Department of Labor benefits last year and it really helped. Also, don't use credit cards for basic expenses if you can avoid it - that just makes the hole deeper.
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Mae Bennett
•Thanks, I didn't know they had hardship programs. Do I just call the customer service number on the back of my cards?
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Melina Haruko
Yes call the customer service number and ask specifically for 'financial hardship assistance' or 'forbearance options.' Have your unemployment paperwork ready because they'll want proof you're receiving benefits. Also check if your state has any emergency assistance programs - sometimes there are local resources that can help with essential bills while you're on UI.
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Dallas Villalobos
•This is good advice. I also froze my credit so I wouldn't be tempted to apply for more cards during unemployment.
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Reina Salazar
ugh i feel you on this one. been juggling bills since my claim got approved 2 months ago. the unemployment amount barely covers rent let alone everything else. i ended up having to use my credit cards for groceries which i know isnt great but what else can you do?? at least the NYS Department of Labor payments are consistent once you get through all their verification stuff
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
Had a similar situation when I was laid off in 2023. If you're struggling to reach your credit card companies (some have really long hold times), there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to various agencies and companies when you can't get through on your own. I used them to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor when my claim was stuck, but I think they help with other phone lines too. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Mae Bennett
•Interesting, never heard of that service. Is it specifically for unemployment stuff or do they help with other things too?
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Demi Lagos
Another thing to consider - if you have federal student loans, they have unemployment deferment options. Private loans are trickier but some lenders will work with you. The key is being proactive and honest about your situation rather than just hoping things will get better soon.
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Mason Lopez
Just want to say hang in there. Being on unemployment is stressful enough without worrying about credit. The fact that you're thinking ahead about this shows you're being responsible. Take advantage of whatever help is available and don't feel bad about using hardship programs - that's literally what they're there for.
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