Why do employers fight unemployment claims - got terminated and boss is disputing my NYS Department of Labor benefits
I got fired from my warehouse job 2 weeks ago for what they called 'attendance issues' even though I had proper documentation for my sick days. Now I'm trying to file for unemployment and my former employer is already fighting it. The NYS Department of Labor website shows my claim is under adjudication. I don't understand why companies do this - isn't unemployment insurance something they already pay into? Are they just trying to make my life harder or is there some financial reason they don't want me to get benefits?
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Miguel Ramos
Employers fight unemployment claims because it directly affects their unemployment insurance tax rates. When someone gets approved for benefits and it's charged to their account, their rate goes up for future years. It's basically a cost-saving measure for them. They're hoping either you won't appeal if they win, or that the adjudication process will find in their favor.
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Ava Thompson
•That makes sense but seems so unfair. I worked there for almost 3 years and never had any real attendance problems until I got sick last month.
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Zainab Ibrahim
ugh this happened to me too!! my old job tried saying i quit when i was actually laid off. took forever to get through adjudication but eventually won. just make sure you have all your documentation ready
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Ava Thompson
•How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about paying rent if this drags on too long.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•mine took about 5 weeks total but that was during covid so might be faster now
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StarSailor
The key thing is that NYS Department of Labor will look at the facts objectively. If you have documentation for your sick days and can show you followed company policy, you should be fine. Employers often dispute claims automatically as a standard practice, hoping some people won't follow through with the process. Make sure you respond to any requests for information quickly and provide all your medical documentation.
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Ava Thompson
•I saved all my emails about calling in sick and I have the doctor's notes. Should I send those to NYS Department of Labor now or wait for them to ask?
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StarSailor
•Wait for them to request specific documentation. They'll tell you exactly what they need during the adjudication process.
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Connor O'Brien
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself when I needed to get an update on my adjudication.
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Ava Thompson
•Thanks I'll check that out. The phone lines are always busy when I try calling.
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Yara Sabbagh
Companies are just trying to save money on their unemployment taxes, period. It's disgusting how they'll fight legitimate claims just to protect their bottom line. I've seen employers make up completely false reasons for termination just to avoid paying higher rates.
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Keisha Johnson
same thing happening to me right now
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