What does applying for unemployment do - confused about the whole process
I'm thinking about filing for unemployment benefits but honestly have no idea what happens after you submit the application. Like what does applying for unemployment do exactly? Does it automatically start sending you money or is there more steps? I lost my job last week and everyone keeps telling me to apply but nobody explains what actually happens next. Do they investigate your employer? Do you have to prove you're looking for work right away? How long before you know if you're approved? Sorry for all the questions but the NYS Department of Labor website is confusing and I don't want to mess this up.
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NebulaNova
When you apply for unemployment, several things happen. First, NYS Department of Labor reviews your application to determine if you meet the basic eligibility requirements - things like having enough work history and losing your job through no fault of your own. They'll verify your employment and wages with your former employer. If approved, you'll receive a monetary determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount. Then you need to file weekly claims to actually receive payments. You also have to meet job search requirements - documenting that you're actively looking for work.
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Yara Sayegh
•Thanks! How long does the review process usually take? I'm worried about my rent payment next month.
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Keisha Williams
The whole system is designed to make you jump through hoops. They'll put your claim in adjudication for weeks while they 'investigate' whether you really deserve benefits. Meanwhile you're supposed to keep certifying every week even though you're not getting paid. It's ridiculous how long they drag out the process.
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Paolo Conti
•While adjudication can be frustrating, it serves an important purpose. NYS Department of Labor needs to verify eligibility to prevent fraud. Most straightforward claims are processed within 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving job separation issues or wage verification take longer.
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Amina Diallo
I applied three weeks ago and still haven't heard anything definitive. My claim status just says 'under review' and when I try calling NYS Department of Labor I can never get through to a real person. The automated system just tells me to keep waiting. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?
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Oliver Schulz
•I had the same problem until someone told me about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was skeptical at first but it actually got me connected to someone who could explain why my claim was delayed. Worth checking out if you're stuck.
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Amina Diallo
•Interesting, I'll look into that. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers about my claim status.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
basically when u apply they check if u qualify then send u money every week if u do the weekly thing online its not that complicated
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Yara Sayegh
•What's the weekly thing exactly? Is that where you report if you worked or looked for jobs?
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AstroAdventurer
Yeah it's called weekly certification. You log into the system every week and answer questions about whether you worked, earned any money, turned down job offers, etc. You also have to confirm you're able and available to work. Miss a week and you won't get paid for that week.
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