


Ask the community...
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone (which is super common), I found this service called Claimyr that actually helps you reach an agent. They basically call for you and get you connected. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to get through on my own when I had questions about my claim status.
File ASAP! And start keeping track of your job search activities immediately too. NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work and keep a log starting with your first week of benefits. Don't wait to start looking just because you're getting unemployment - they can audit your job search records.
The NYS Department of Labor unemployment system is so messed up. They make it nearly impossible to get benefits even when you deserve them. My cousin quit because her boss was sexually harassing her and they still denied her claim initially. Had to get a lawyer involved.
just file anyway!! the worst they can say is no and then you appeal. i got fired for being late too much (my car kept breaking down) and still got approved after they reviewed everything
The unemployment system is such a mess. They make it so confusing whether you qualify or not. I've seen people get denied for ridiculous reasons and others get approved when they probably shouldn't have. Just depends on who reviews your case I guess.
The whole unemployment system is a nightmare designed to wear you down so you give up trying to get benefits you're entitled to. When I applied it took them 6 weeks to process my claim and they 'lost' my paperwork twice. Just be prepared for delays and bureaucratic incompetence.
Daniel Rogers
Don't forget you can get benefits for up to 26 weeks typically, so that $504 weekly adds up. Just make sure you're doing your job search requirements - they're pretty strict about that now. You need to do 3 work search activities per week and keep a log.
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Aaliyah Reed
The system is so confusing though! I thought the amount was based on what you made in your last job but apparently it's some complicated calculation from multiple quarters? Why can't they just make it simple like a percentage of your last paycheck??
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Victoria Scott
•It's based on your base period earnings, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. They use your highest quarter during that period. It's designed to account for seasonal work variations and give a more stable calculation.
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