What's unemployment insurance and how does NYS Department of Labor UI work?
I just got laid off from my retail job after 2 years and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment insurance but I honestly have no idea what that even means. Like I know it's money from the government but how does it work exactly? Do I have to pay it back later? How much do you get and for how long? I've never been unemployed before and feeling pretty lost about the whole process with NYS Department of Labor.
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Jeremiah Brown
Unemployment insurance (UI) is a state program that provides temporary financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. In New York, it's administered by the NYS Department of Labor. You don't have to pay it back - it's funded through employer taxes. The amount you receive is based on your previous earnings, typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum benefit amount. You can collect for up to 26 weeks in most cases.
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JacksonHarris
•Oh wow I had no idea employers were paying into this! So it's not like welfare or anything? And 50% of my wage would actually help a lot right now.
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Royal_GM_Mark
You'll need to file your claim on the NYS Department of Labor website and then file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. There are job search requirements too - you have to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history ready when you apply.
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Amelia Cartwright
•The job search thing is important! You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records. NYS Department of Labor can ask to see your job search log at any time.
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Chris King
Been through this process twice unfortunately lol. Just know that sometimes your claim goes into something called adjudication which means they need to verify your eligibility. This can take weeks and is super frustrating when you need the money. If you have trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone (which you probably will), I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually reach an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works.
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Rachel Clark
•Adjudication is the WORST. Been waiting 3 weeks for mine to clear and can't get anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor. Might have to try that Claimyr thing.
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Zachary Hughes
just file asap!!! the sooner you file the sooner you start getting paid. i waited like 2 weeks thinking i might find another job quick and that was stupid because you cant get benefits for those weeks you waited
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JacksonHarris
•Good point! I'll file today then. Better safe than sorry.
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NebulaNinja
Welcome to the unemployment world, Jackson! I went through this same thing last year when my restaurant closed down. One thing I wish someone had told me upfront - make sure you have ALL your employment info ready when you apply. They'll need your last employer's address, your supervisor's name, exact dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also, if you worked multiple jobs in the past 18 months, you'll need info for ALL of them since they calculate your benefit amount based on your total earnings during what they call your "base period." The NYS Department of Labor website has a benefit calculator you can use to estimate what you might receive before you even apply.
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