What is unemployment rate at right now in NY - does this affect my claim approval chances?
I'm seeing different numbers online about what unemployment is at right now and I'm wondering if the current rate affects how strict NYS Department of Labor is with approving claims? I filed two weeks ago after getting laid off from my retail job and my claim is still pending. A friend told me that when unemployment rates are low, they scrutinize claims more carefully. Is this true? Also trying to figure out if the job search requirements are stricter when unemployment is lower. Anyone know what the actual current rate is for New York?
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Freya Christensen
The unemployment rate doesn't really affect individual claim approvals - NYS Department of Labor processes each claim based on your specific work history and reason for separation. Current NY unemployment rate is around 4.1% as of the latest data, but that's just a statistical measure. Your claim approval depends on whether you meet the base period earnings requirements and if your separation was through no fault of your own.
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Ravi Malhotra
•That's reassuring, thank you! I was worried they'd be extra picky since I heard the economy was doing better.
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Omar Hassan
ive been on unemployment for 3 months now and the job search requirements are the same regardless of the unemployment rate - still need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep that log updated. the rate being low just means there should theoretically be more jobs available but doesnt change the NYS Department of Labor rules
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Chloe Robinson
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to check on my claim status when it was pending. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really useful when you can't get through the regular phone lines to ask about your specific situation.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Interesting, might look into that if my claim stays pending much longer. How long did it take for them to help you connect?
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Chloe Robinson
•Pretty quick actually, same day I think. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.
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Diego Chavez
The unemployment rate being around 4% is actually considered pretty low historically. But like others said, it won't impact your individual claim processing. Your two week wait is normal - most claims take 2-4 weeks to process unless there's an issue that requires adjudication.
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NeonNebula
wait so if unemployment is low does that mean they expect us to find jobs faster?? i've been looking for 6 weeks and haven't found anything in my field yet. really hope they don't cut off benefits early or something
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Freya Christensen
•No, your benefit duration is set when you file - typically 26 weeks in NY. The unemployment rate doesn't change how long you can collect as long as you're meeting the job search requirements.
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