What unemployment benefits are available through NYS Department of Labor right now?
I just got laid off from my restaurant job last week and I'm completely lost about what unemployment benefits I can even apply for. I keep seeing different things online but I'm not sure what's current or what I actually qualify for. I worked there for about 8 months and made around $2,800 a month before taxes. Can someone break down what unemployment benefits are actually available through NYS Department of Labor right now? I don't want to waste time applying for stuff that doesn't exist anymore.
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Chad Winthrope
The main program available is regular unemployment insurance (UI) through NYS Department of Labor. Based on your work history, you should qualify if you meet the minimum earnings requirements. You'll need to file weekly claims and complete job search activities. The benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period, usually maxing out around $504 per week currently.
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Ellie Lopez
•Thanks! Do I apply through the my.ny.gov website? And what exactly counts as job search activities?
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Paige Cantoni
yeah there's just regular UI now, the pandemic stuff like PUA ended years ago. you apply online and have to do 3 job contacts per week i think
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Kylo Ren
You'll want to apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week. Go to labor.ny.gov and create your account. For job search, you need to complete at least 3 work search activities each week - this can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking approved training courses. Keep detailed records in your job search log.
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Nina Fitzgerald
•Wait, is there still a waiting week? I thought they got rid of that during COVID and never brought it back.
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Kylo Ren
•You're right, my mistake! The waiting week was eliminated. You can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment if approved.
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Jason Brewer
I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Spent weeks calling and either getting hung up on or waiting hours just to get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent within minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI - honestly saved my sanity dealing with the whole process.
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Ellie Lopez
•That's good to know, thanks! Hopefully I won't need that but it's reassuring to know there are options if I can't get through normally.
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Kiara Fisherman
The system is so confusing honestly. Like why can't they just have one simple page that explains everything instead of making you hunt through a million different forms and requirements??
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