Why is unemployment bad - trying to understand NYS Department of Labor system impact
I'm honestly confused about something and hoping someone can explain. Everyone always talks about unemployment being this terrible thing, but I'm trying to understand why exactly unemployment is bad from the NYS Department of Labor perspective. Like, I get that not having a job means no income, but there's unemployment benefits right? I'm filing my weekly claims and getting payments, so what's the big deal? My cousin keeps telling me I need to find work ASAP because 'unemployment is bad' but I don't really understand what she means beyond the obvious. Is there something about the unemployment system I'm missing? Are there hidden consequences to collecting UI benefits that I should know about?
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Amina Bah
There are several reasons why extended unemployment can be problematic. First, NYS Department of Labor benefits only replace about 50% of your previous wages, so you're likely taking a significant income cut. Second, there's a maximum benefit duration - regular UI benefits only last 26 weeks in New York. Third, you have mandatory job search requirements that get more stringent over time. The system is designed as temporary assistance, not long-term support.
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Paolo Longo
•Oh wow I didn't realize there was a time limit. So after 26 weeks the payments just stop completely?
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Oliver Becker
your cousin is right tbh. the longer you're out of work the harder it gets to find a job. employers look at gaps in employment and wonder whats wrong with you. plus unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might owe money at tax time if youre not having taxes withheld
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Paolo Longo
•Wait, I have to pay taxes on unemployment? The NYS Department of Labor never mentioned that when I filed my claim.
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CosmicCowboy
Beyond the financial aspects, there are career implications. Skills can become outdated during extended unemployment periods. Professional networks can weaken. And psychologically, unemployment can impact self-esteem and mental health over time. The NYS Department of Labor job search requirements exist partly to prevent people from becoming too comfortable with the temporary nature of UI benefits.
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Natasha Orlova
•This is so true! I was unemployed for 8 months a few years back and when I finally got interviews, I felt like I'd lost my confidence completely.
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Javier Cruz
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to discuss your specific situation and timeline, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helpful when you need to understand your benefit timeline or job search requirements.
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Paolo Longo
•Thanks, I'll check that out. I do have questions about my job search log requirements that I haven't been able to get answered.
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Emma Thompson
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT NEEDING HELP!!! Trust me after dealing with NYS Department of Labor adjudication hell for months, the stress alone makes unemployment terrible. They treat you like a criminal for needing assistance.
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Malik Jackson
•I mean, I get the frustration but the system does serve a purpose. It's not supposed to be comfortable or permanent.
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Lilah Brooks
Another thing to consider is that unemployment benefits aren't just about you - they're funded by employer taxes and are part of a broader economic system. When unemployment rates are high, it puts strain on state budgets and can affect funding for other programs. The NYS Department of Labor has to balance supporting people who genuinely need help while also maintaining incentives for people to return to work. That's why there are work search requirements and time limits - it's not meant to be punitive, but to ensure the system remains sustainable for everyone who needs it.
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