NYS Department of Labor unemployment insurance benefits and workers compensation - are there similarities?
I'm trying to understand the differences and similarities between unemployment insurance benefits through NYS Department of Labor and workers compensation benefits. I recently got injured at work and might need to file for workers comp, but I'm also wondering if there are any overlaps or similarities with UI benefits. Has anyone dealt with both types of benefits? What are the main similarities between these two programs?
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Natasha Orlova
Both unemployment insurance and workers compensation are wage replacement programs designed to provide temporary financial support when you can't work. The main similarity is that both replace a portion of your lost wages - UI through NYS Department of Labor when you're unemployed through no fault of your own, and workers comp when you're injured on the job. Both are also funded through employer contributions, not employee payroll deductions.
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CosmicCowboy
•That makes sense about the wage replacement aspect. Do they both have similar application processes or waiting periods?
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Javier Cruz
Another similarity is that both programs have eligibility requirements and you need to meet certain criteria to qualify. For UI through NYS Department of Labor, you need sufficient work history and earnings. For workers comp, the injury needs to be work-related. Both also require you to file claims and provide documentation to prove your eligibility.
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Emma Thompson
•yeah but you can't collect both at the same time usually, right? i think workers comp takes priority if you're injured at work
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Javier Cruz
•Correct - you typically cannot collect both simultaneously. Workers compensation takes precedence if your inability to work is due to a work-related injury.
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Malik Jackson
I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my UI claim. If you need to speak with an agent quickly, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be helpful if you run into issues getting answers about your unemployment benefits.
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CosmicCowboy
•Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I need to contact NYS Department of Labor about anything.
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Isabella Costa
Both programs also have appeals processes if your claim gets denied. With UI you can appeal to NYS Department of Labor if they disqualify you, and with workers comp you can appeal through the Workers Compensation Board. The appeal procedures are different but both give you a chance to challenge negative decisions.
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StarSurfer
honestly the whole system is confusing... i never understood why we have so many different programs for when people cant work. seems like they could just have one program that covers everything
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Natasha Orlova
•They serve different purposes though - unemployment is for job loss, workers comp is specifically for workplace injuries. Different funding sources and different goals, even though they both provide wage replacement.
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