What do you get when you file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm thinking about filing for unemployment but honestly have no idea what to expect. Like what actually happens after you submit your application? Do you get money right away or is there a waiting period? And how much can you even expect to receive? I've been working retail for the past 2 years making about $18/hour but got laid off last week. Just trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle or if I should just focus on finding another job immediately. Anyone been through this process recently with NYS Department of Labor?
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Giovanni Gallo
When you file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor, you'll receive weekly benefit payments if approved, but there's usually a one-week waiting period before payments start. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters). The maximum weekly benefit in NY is currently $504, but most people get less depending on their work history. You'll need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.
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Amara Adeyemi
•Thanks! So I have to wait a whole week before getting anything? That's rough when bills are due. How do they calculate the exact amount I'd get?
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
The benefit calculation is pretty straightforward - they take your highest quarter earnings from your base period and divide by 26. So if your highest quarter was $6,500, you'd get $250 per week. You can also use the benefit calculator on the NYS Department of Labor website to get an estimate before you apply. Just have your recent pay stubs ready when you file.
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Dylan Wright
•wait I thought it was based on all 4 quarters not just the highest one??
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
•No, it's specifically your highest quarter divided by 26. The other quarters just determine if you're eligible at all.
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NebulaKnight
just filed last month and got approved pretty quick. the whole process was actually easier than I expected. you fill out the application online, then wait for them to review it. if there's no issues it gets approved automatically. then you just certify for benefits every week and the money gets direct deposited. been getting $320/week which helps a lot
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Amara Adeyemi
•That's encouraging! How long did the review take for you?
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NebulaKnight
•took about 10 days to get approved then another week for the first payment. not bad considering all the horror stories you hear
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Sofia Ramirez
BE PREPARED FOR ADJUDICATION HELL! Sorry to be negative but I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get out of adjudication. They keep asking for more documentation and every time I submit something new they find another reason to delay. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines are impossible to get through to and they don't respond to messages through the online portal. I'm basically living off credit cards at this point.
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Dmitry Popov
•ugh that sounds awful! what kind of documentation did they want?
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Sofia Ramirez
•First they wanted my separation notice, then pay stubs, then they questioned why I left my previous job 8 months ago. It's like they're looking for any excuse to deny the claim.
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Ava Rodriguez
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim status, I had success using Claimyr recently. It's a service that calls on your behalf and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. I was skeptical at first but after weeks of busy signals, I finally got through and resolved my adjudication issue in one call.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Interesting, never heard of that. Is it expensive?
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Ava Rodriguez
•Way cheaper than missing weeks of benefits while stuck in adjudication. They focus on getting results rather than charging high fees.
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Dmitry Popov
honestly just apply asap. even if you find another job quickly you might still be entitled to some benefits for the weeks you were unemployed. the worst thing that happens is they deny it but at least you tried. and if you do qualify the money really helps while job hunting
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