NYS Department of Labor unemployment questions - need guidance on claim process
I'm completely lost with this whole unemployment process and have so many questions. Just got laid off last week from my retail job and everyone keeps telling me different things about filing. Some people say I should wait a week before applying, others say file immediately. I'm also confused about the weekly certification thing - do I have to do that even if I haven't gotten approved yet? And what's all this about job search requirements? My friend said I need to apply to 3 jobs per week but my coworker said it's different now. I tried looking on the NYS Department of Labor website but it's so confusing with all the technical terms. Can someone please explain the basics of how this all works? I really need help understanding what I'm supposed to do and when.
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Amina Toure
You should file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - don't wait! The NYS Department of Labor processes claims based on when you file, not when you became unemployed. For weekly certifications, yes you need to file them every week even while your initial claim is being processed. The job search requirement is currently 3 work search activities per week, which can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking activities. Keep detailed records of everything you do.
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Paolo Ricci
•Thank you! So I should file today then? And when you say work search activities, does that include just looking at job postings online or do I actually have to apply?
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Oliver Zimmermann
File immediately and make sure you have all your employment history ready - dates, wages, reason for separation. The NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your employer so be accurate. For job search, you need actual applications or contacts, not just browsing. I learned this the hard way when they audited my job search log last year.
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Natasha Volkova
•Wait they actually audit those logs? I've been pretty loose with mine...
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Yes! They can request your job search records at any time. Better to be detailed from the start than scramble later.
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Javier Torres
ugh the WHOLE system is so confusing!! i filed 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back from them. tried calling but you can never get through to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor. this is ridiculous when people need help paying bills
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Emma Davis
•I had the same problem reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone - super frustrating with all the busy signals and hang-ups. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself and I was able to get my adjudication issue resolved.
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CosmicCaptain
Also make sure you understand the difference between regular UI and other programs. I got confused at first thinking I qualified for something I didn't. Stick to regular unemployment insurance unless you have specific circumstances like being on standby from your employer.
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Malik Johnson
same boat as OP... this is all overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job. thanks for the helpful responses everyone
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