What is unemployment benefits process - confused about NYS Department of Labor requirements
I'm totally lost here and need someone to explain what unemployment benefits actually are and how the whole process works with NYS Department of Labor. I just got laid off from my retail job last week and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment but I have no idea what that even means or where to start. Like what is unemployment exactly? Do I get money? How much? What do I have to do to get it? I tried looking at the my.ny.gov website but it's confusing with all these terms I don't understand. Can someone break this down for me like I'm five?
11 comments
Join the conversation
Sophia Carson
Unemployment insurance (UI) is a program that provides temporary financial assistance when you lose your job through no fault of your own. With NYS Department of Labor, you file a claim online at my.ny.gov and if approved, you receive weekly payments while you search for new work. The amount depends on your previous earnings, typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum. You'll need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to continue receiving benefits.
0 coins
Ana Erdoğan
•Ok that makes more sense. So I apply once and then have to do something every week? What are these job search requirements?
0 coins
Elijah Knight
The weekly claims are super important - you have to certify each week that you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep records of your search activities. You can do this through the job search log on the my.ny.gov portal. Miss filing your weekly claim and you won't get paid for that week.
0 coins
Brooklyn Foley
•Wait, 3 job contacts per week? That seems like a lot when there aren't that many openings in my field right now.
0 coins
Elijah Knight
•I know it feels like a lot but it's the rule. You can count applications, networking, job fairs, even informational interviews. Just document everything properly.
0 coins
Jay Lincoln
been on unemployment twice and honestly the hardest part is getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor when you have questions or problems. the phone lines are always busy and the online chat never works
0 coins
Jessica Suarez
•Actually, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents by phone. They handle the waiting and calling for you - check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Really helped when my claim got stuck in adjudication and I couldn't reach anyone for weeks.
0 coins
Marcus Williams
Just remember that if there are any issues with your claim it might go into adjudication which means they need to review something before approving you. This can add weeks to the process unfortunately. Common reasons include questions about why you left your job or if you're able and available to work.
0 coins
Ana Erdoğan
•What does able and available mean exactly? I can work but I'm being picky about what jobs I'll take.
0 coins
Sophia Carson
•Able and available means you're physically and mentally capable of working and willing to accept suitable employment. Being too picky about job offers can disqualify you from benefits.
0 coins
Lily Young
good luck with the whole process, it's a nightmare but at least you get some money while looking for work. just don't expect it to be easy or fast
0 coins