Should NY unemployment extend benefits with rising covid cases?

honestly I think we're all just screwed at this point. NY unemployment has made it pretty clear they want everyone back at work regardless of covid numbers. My benefits ran out two weeks ago and I couldn't get a straight answer from anyone about extensions. Had to take a warehouse job that pays way less than I was making before.

After weeks of getting nowhere with NY unemployment, I finally found a way to actually speak to someone! Used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that somehow got me connected to an actual human. Best money I've spent in a while because talking to an agent got my payments flowing again. They have a youtube video showing how it works too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The governor doesn't care about workers, only about businesses. Welcome to America where profits > people. I had to go back to my retail job and now I'm constantly anxious about getting sick. Two coworkers already tested positive this month.

I think legally they can force you back to work if your employer offers your position back. If you refuse, you can lose benefits. Something about "suitable work" requirements. It's messed up but that's how the system works. Maybe check if you qualify for medical exemption with your doctor's note about your high-risk household?

Look, I know this is controversial, but at some point life has to move on. COVID isn't going away. I went back to work months ago with precautions. Wear a good mask, get vaccinated, wash your hands. That's all you can do.

Here's what I know for sure about NY unemployment right now: - Regular UI benefits max out at 26 weeks - The various federal extensions (PUA, PEUC, etc) have all ended - There is currently NO plan to bring back extended benefits - If you refuse "suitable work" you can be disqualified - BUT you can potentially qualify for a medical exemption - The current system is overwhelmed and getting answers is nearly impossible I spent weeks trying to get answers about my own situation. Calling was useless until I found claimyr.com which actually got me through to a rep. The rep confirmed there are no extensions coming unless Congress passes something new. Your best options: 1) Try to get medical documentation about your household risk 2) Look for remote work options 3) See if your employer can accommodate safer working conditions 4) Apply for any other assistance programs you might qualify for And definitely use claimyr.com if you need to actually speak to someone. It's the only way I've been able to get real answers about my specific situation.

checked the numbers and new cases have gone up like 42% in the last two weeks, so your concerns are valid. My advice: document EVERYTHING. if you refuse work, write down when, who you talked to, and why. Get doctors notes. Cover your bases.

can you get a doctors note? that might help your case. i know someone who got an extension because they had documentation from their doctor about being high risk.

The whole system is a disaster. I've been trying to reach someone at ny unemployment for WEEKS about a similar issue. Phones are useless, emails go unanswered, the website is from 1995. It's like they WANT us to give up.

I work for a company that's been super understanding about covid concerns. Maybe look for employers with better policies? Lot of places desperate for workers right now so you might have more leverage than you think.

REMINDER: If you're worried about covid at work, you do have some rights! Employers are still required to provide reasonable safety measures. OSHA complaints are taken seriously. Document unsafe conditions and report them.

unpopular opinion but if ur that worried just get vaccinated and go back to work. we cant stay on unemployment forever. the system wasnt designed for that.

anyone else notice how hard it is to even check your claim status online these days? the ny unemployment website keeps crashing on me. and when i call i just get a busy signal or an automated message saying to call back later 🤮

Sounds like you need to talk to a real person at unemployment ASAP before your benefits end. Good luck with that tho - their phone system is a joke. After dozens of failed calls I used claimyr.com and finally got through. The rep told me all about my options including how to properly document medical exemptions.