What are unemployment requirements for NYS Department of Labor claims?
I just lost my job last week and need to apply for unemployment benefits but I'm completely lost on what the requirements are. I've never filed for unemployment before and the NYS Department of Labor website is really confusing. What do I need to qualify? Do I have to have worked for a certain amount of time? What about job search requirements - do I need to apply for jobs right away? Any help would be appreciated, I'm really stressed about this whole process.
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Sofia Hernandez
The basic requirements for NYS unemployment are: you must have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 calendar quarters), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, you must be able and available to work, and you must actively search for work. You also need to register with the NYS job search system and file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.
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Dylan Campbell
•Thank you! What counts as 'actively searching for work'? Do I need to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
For the job search requirement, you need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep a log of all your job search activities. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or interviews. Make sure you keep detailed records because NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time.
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Ava Thompson
•I got audited last year and they wanted to see everything - dates, company names, contact info, what type of contact it was. Keep good records!
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Miguel Ramos
ugh the job search thing is so annoying, like i get it but when you're already stressed about money the last thing you want is more paperwork. but yeah you gotta do it or they'll cut off your benefits
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Zainab Ibrahim
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on requirements, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual agent when I couldn't get past the busy signals. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I needed answers about my claim status.
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Dylan Campbell
•Never heard of that service before, is it legit? The NYS Department of Labor phone system is definitely impossible to get through to.
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StarSailor
Also make sure you file your initial claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's a one week waiting period before benefits start, and any delays in filing can push back when you receive your first payment. The weekly claims have to be filed every week even if your initial claim is still being processed.
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