What unemployment benefits can I claim through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my warehouse job after 8 months and I'm completely lost about what unemployment benefits I can actually claim in New York. I know there's regular unemployment but I keep hearing about different types of benefits and I have no idea what I qualify for. My employer said something about me being eligible but didn't give me any details. Can someone break down what unemployment benefits are available through NYS Department of Labor? I'm 28, worked full time, and this is my first time dealing with unemployment. Really stressed about making rent next month.
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Paolo Esposito
There are several types of unemployment benefits you might qualify for through NYS Department of Labor. Regular unemployment insurance (UI) is the main one - you get weekly payments if you lost your job through no fault of your own. You need to have worked enough quarters and earned enough wages in your base period. There's also extended benefits during high unemployment periods, and if you're in a union job there might be standby benefits. You'll need to file your initial claim online and then file weekly claims to keep getting paid.
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Keisha Brown
•Thanks! How do I know if I worked enough quarters? I started this job in March 2024 and got laid off in November. Is that enough time?
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Amina Toure
The main benefit most people get is regular UI through NYS Department of Labor. You file your initial claim, wait for approval, then file weekly claims every week you're unemployed. The amount depends on what you earned - it's roughly half your average weekly wage up to the maximum. Right now I think the max is around $504 per week. You also have to do job search activities and report them when you file your weekly claims.
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Oliver Weber
•Wait, is it really $504? I thought it was higher than that. My cousin was getting like $300 something but she was part time.
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FireflyDreams
ugh the nys department of labor system is such a pain to navigate!!! i spent hours trying to figure out what i could claim when i got fired last year. basically theres regular unemployment which is what most people get, then theres some other stuff but honestly the website is confusing as hell. just start with filing for regular UI and see what happens
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Natasha Kuznetsova
I had a nightmare trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Couldn't get through on the phone no matter what time I called. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent within hours. They have a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much frustration - I was able to get my claim status updated and start receiving benefits.
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Keisha Brown
•That sounds too good to be true... how much does something like that cost?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•It's worth checking out the demo first. I was skeptical too but when you're not getting paid and can't reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor, you get desperate. The peace of mind was worth it for me.
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Javier Morales
Based on what you described, you should definitely qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Eight months of full-time work should give you enough wages in your base period. The key things NYS Department of Labor looks at are: 1) You lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff qualifies), 2) You have enough wages in your base period, 3) You're able and available to work. File your claim as soon as possible because there's a waiting week and delays in the system.
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Emma Anderson
my sister went through this same thing at her warehouse job!! she said the regular unemployment was pretty straightforward to get once she figured out the NYS department of labor website. took like 3 weeks to get her first payment though so definitely apply right away. also make sure you save all your paperwork from your employer about the layoff
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