Will AI cause mass unemployment - worried about future NYS Department of Labor claims
I've been reading all these articles about artificial intelligence replacing jobs and I'm honestly freaking out. I work in data entry and my company just started using some AI software that can do in 10 minutes what takes me 2 hours. My supervisor keeps saying everything is fine but I can see the writing on the wall. If I get laid off because of AI, will that qualify me for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? Has anyone else filed claims because their job got automated? I'm trying to figure out if I should start looking for a new job now or wait and see what happens. The uncertainty is killing me.
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Mateusius Townsend
Yes, if you're laid off due to automation or AI implementation, you would qualify for unemployment benefits as long as the separation wasn't due to misconduct. NYS Department of Labor considers technological displacement as an involuntary job loss. You'd file your initial claim the same way as any other layoff - through the my.ny.gov portal. Make sure to document that the layoff was due to automation when you file.
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Demi Hall
•That's a relief to know I'd still qualify. Do you think they'll ask for proof that it was AI-related or just take my word for it?
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Kara Yoshida
been there done that... lost my job at a call center when they brought in chatbots. filed for UI benefits and it went through no problem. the adjudication process was pretty standard, took about 2 weeks to get approved
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Philip Cowan
I wouldn't panic just yet. A lot of companies are finding that AI works better as a tool to help employees rather than replace them entirely. But if you do end up needing to file, make sure you keep doing your weekly certifications and job search requirements. NYS Department of Labor still requires you to look for work even if your industry is changing.
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Caesar Grant
•This is good advice. I'd also suggest maybe looking into retraining programs. Some of them are approved for extended benefits if you're learning skills that AI can't replace.
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Lena Schultz
AI is just the latest scare tactic. Remember when everyone said computers would eliminate all jobs in the 80s? We adapted then and we'll adapt now. Stop worrying about hypotheticals.
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Gemma Andrews
I was having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to check on my claim status after a similar situation. Someone here recommended claimyr.com and honestly it saved me so much hassle. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Basically helps you get through to an actual agent when the phone lines are swamped. Might be worth bookmarking in case you need it.
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Demi Hall
•Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check that out. Getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor is always a nightmare.
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Kara Yoshida
•yeah that service actually works, used it myself when my claim got stuck in adjudication
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Pedro Sawyer
honestly the whole system is broken anyway. whether its AI or corporate greed or whatever, working people always get screwed. at least unemployment benefits exist i guess but they dont pay enough to live on
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Demi Hall
UPDATE: Just had a meeting with my supervisor and they're actually planning to retrain our whole department to work alongside the AI instead of replacing us. Still nervous but feeling a bit better about the situation. Thanks everyone for the advice about unemployment eligibility - at least I know I have options if things don't work out.
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GalaxyGuardian
•That's great news! It sounds like your company is taking a smart approach. Learning to work with AI tools rather than being replaced by them is definitely the way forward. It's also good that you're prepared with the knowledge about unemployment benefits - being informed about your options reduces a lot of anxiety. Hope the retraining goes well!
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