NYS Department of Labor unemployment rates from 2021 - how do current benefits compare?
I'm trying to understand how unemployment benefits have changed since 2021. Back then the rates seemed different and there were all those extra programs running. Now I'm filing a new claim in 2025 and want to know what the current weekly benefit amounts are compared to what unemployment was 4 years ago. Has anyone been through the system both then and now? My previous claim was processed so differently and I'm confused about what to expect with adjudication times and job search requirements now.
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StarStrider
The base unemployment system is essentially the same, but you're right that 2021 had temporary pandemic programs that no longer exist. Current NYS Department of Labor weekly benefits range from $104-$504 depending on your earnings history. Job search requirements are back to pre-pandemic levels - you need to make 3 job contacts per week and maintain a work search record. Adjudication times have improved significantly since then.
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Sean Murphy
•Thanks! Do you know if the maximum benefit amount has increased since 2021? I remember mine being around $380 back then.
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Zara Malik
ugh the whole system was such a mess back in 2021!!! took MONTHS to get through adjudication and then they had all those overpayment issues later. at least now when you call NYS Department of Labor you might actually get through to someone
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Luca Marino
•Actually calling is still pretty much impossible during peak hours. I've been trying to reach someone about my pending claim for weeks.
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Nia Davis
I had claims in both 2021 and recently. The online system is much more stable now - no more constant crashes. But if you need to actually speak to someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through. They have a demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Mateo Perez
•How does that work exactly? I've been trying to reach someone about my adjudication for 2 weeks now.
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Nia Davis
•You just go to claimyr.com and they help you get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. Saved me so much time and frustration.
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Aisha Rahman
The benefit calculation formula hasn't changed much since 2021, but they did adjust some of the earnings thresholds slightly. Your weekly benefit amount is still based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The main difference now is that standby claims are processed faster and the job search verification is more streamlined through the online portal.
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CosmicCrusader
•wait what's a standby claim? is that different from regular unemployment?
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