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ugh this whole system is so confusing!! why cant you just get help when you need it instead of jumping through all these hoops?? im dealing with something similar and the NYS Department of Labor phone lines are impossible to get through to ask questions
I totally understand the frustration. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, you might want to check out claimyr.com - they have a service that helps people get through to unemployment agents. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Sometimes it's worth it just to get clear answers about complex situations like this.
Had this exact issue last year and couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify the tax situation. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach a real person who explained the whole tax withholding process. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Wish I had known about the tax implications before I started collecting benefits.
Pro tip: if you're filing taxes yourself, make sure you're using the correct amount from Box 1 of your 1099-G, not Box 2. Box 1 is the total unemployment compensation paid, Box 2 is federal income tax withheld (which will be zero if you didn't elect withholding). Also double-check that the 1099-G includes all your benefit weeks - sometimes there are processing delays that can affect the reported amounts.
honestly the whole system is ridiculous. they force you to apply to jobs then penalize you for having standards about what youre willing to do. ive been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and its just one thing after another
Had something similar happen - interview went well but they wanted me to agree to random drug testing even though it was just data entry work. I didn't refuse outright but said I needed to think about it. Never heard back from them and NYS Department of Labor never questioned it on my weekly claims.
The unemployment system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out if I qualify too after getting let go. It seems like they really scrutinize everything when you get fired versus laid off. What if your employer lies about why they fired you? Can you appeal their decision?
Amara Torres
ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and every time I call they just say 'it's still processing' like that helps pay my bills!! Good luck OP but prepare yourself for a lot of frustration
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Olivia Van-Cleve
•Six weeks is way too long - something's definitely wrong with your claim. You should request a hearing or contact your assembly member's office for help.
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Jordan Walker
Also remember you have to do job search activities once you start claiming - 3 job contacts per week that you have to log. Keep records of everything because they can audit you anytime.
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Sarah Jones
•Wait what kind of job search stuff? Do I have to apply to 3 jobs every single week even if I'm trying to get my old job back?
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Sebastian Scott
•Yes, 3 work search activities per week minimum. Can be job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, etc. You log them in the system when you file your weekly claim. Even if you expect to be recalled, you still need to do the job search unless you're on approved standby status.
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