What was unemployment rate like in 2023 - NYS Department of Labor benefits still hard to get?
I keep hearing different numbers about what unemployment was like in 2023. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth applying for NYS Department of Labor benefits now or if the system is still backed up from when everyone was filing claims. My brother lost his job in manufacturing last month and we're wondering if the adjudication process is any faster now than it was during the crazy times. Anyone know what the actual unemployment numbers were for 2023 and if that affects how long claims take to process?
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Talia Klein
The unemployment rate in NY was around 4.1% for most of 2023, which is considered pretty normal. The NYS Department of Labor system is definitely running smoother now than during 2020-2022. Your brother should definitely file if he's eligible - the adjudication process typically takes 2-3 weeks now instead of the months it used to take. Make sure he files his weekly claims even while waiting for the initial determination.
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Cedric Chung
•That's really helpful, thank you! Do you know if the job search requirements are still the same as they were in 2023?
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Maxwell St. Laurent
i filed in december 2023 and it took forever!!! like 6 weeks before i got my first payment. maybe its better now but dont count on it being quick
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PaulineW
•December is always slow because of the holidays and year-end processing. The system usually catches up by February. If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about a current claim, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Annabel Kimball
The unemployment rate being lower in 2023 doesn't really affect individual claim processing times. What matters more is whether your brother has any issues that need adjudication - like if he was fired vs laid off, or if there are any wage discrepancies. Manufacturing layoffs are usually pretty straightforward for NYS Department of Labor to approve.
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Cedric Chung
•He was definitely laid off, not fired. The whole factory shut down a section so there were like 30 people let go at once.
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Annabel Kimball
•Perfect, that should be an easy approval then. Mass layoffs like that rarely get held up in adjudication since the reason for separation is clear.
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Chris Elmeda
just wanted to say good luck to your brother! i was unemployed for 4 months in 2023 and the benefits really helped keep me afloat while job hunting
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