What is the unemployment rate right now and how does it affect my NYS Department of Labor claim?
I keep seeing different unemployment numbers in the news and I'm wondering what the current unemployment rate is and if it affects my claim processing? I filed for UI benefits about 2 weeks ago and my claim is still pending. Does a higher or lower unemployment rate make any difference in how fast NYS Department of Labor processes claims or changes benefit amounts? Just trying to understand if the current economic situation has any impact on my situation.
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Natalie Adams
The current national unemployment rate is around 3.7% as of the latest data, but New York's rate can vary slightly. However, the unemployment rate doesn't directly affect your individual claim processing time or benefit amount. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your previous earnings, not current economic conditions. NYS Department of Labor processes claims based on their internal workload and staffing, not unemployment statistics.
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Jordan Walker
•That's helpful to know! So my benefit amount was already determined when I filed based on my work history?
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Elijah O'Reilly
i think the rate is like 4% or something but honestly it doesnt matter for your claim, mine took 3 weeks to get approved and that was when unemployment was supposedly lower
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Amara Torres
While unemployment rates don't affect individual claims directly, they can indirectly impact processing times during periods of high unemployment when more people are filing claims. During economic downturns, NYS Department of Labor offices get overwhelmed with applications. Right now, with relatively low unemployment, processing should be more manageable. If you're having trouble reaching someone about your pending claim, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works.
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Olivia Van-Cleve
•Never heard of that service before but anything to avoid sitting on hold for hours! Does it actually work for getting through to NYS Department of Labor?
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Amara Torres
•Yeah it worked for me when I needed to check on an adjudication issue. Much better than the endless busy signals I was getting.
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Mason Kaczka
The whole system is broken regardless of what the unemployment rate is!!! I've been waiting FIVE WEEKS for my claim to move out of adjudication and nobody at NYS Department of Labor can give me a straight answer about what's taking so long.
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Sophia Russo
•That really sucks, sorry you're dealing with that delay. Have you tried submitting any additional documentation they might need?
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