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THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! Companies will say ANYTHING to avoid paying claims even though they've been paying unemployment taxes for years. It's not like the money comes directly out of their pocket at that point - it's already been paid to the state. But they still fight every single claim because it affects their experience rating and future tax rates.
That's why they always try to make it seem like you were fired for cause or quit voluntarily. Saves them money in the long run even if they have to lie about it.
I went through something similar last year. The key thing to understand is that your employer's obligation to pay unemployment taxes is completely separate from whether your specific claim gets approved. If they've been in business and meet the basic requirements (which sounds like they do), they've been paying quarterly unemployment taxes all along - that money is already in the system. What they're probably disputing is the reason for your separation, not their tax obligations. Document everything about your layoff and be patient with the adjudication process. NYS Department of Labor will investigate both sides and make a determination based on the facts.
Pro tip: if you use the card for grocery shopping, always choose 'credit' instead of 'debit' when they ask. Some stores charge extra fees for debit transactions but credit is usually free. Also works at gas stations.
Just want to add that Walmart Money Centers usually have free ATM access for KeyBank unemployment cards too. I've been using the one near me for months with no fees. Also, if you're ever in a pinch and need cash fast, some banks will let you do a counter withdrawal with ID even if you're not their customer - they might charge like $5-10 but it's better than those crazy bodega ATM fees you mentioned. And yes, online purchases work fine, I pay all my bills online with mine.
Thanks for mentioning Walmart Money Centers! I had no idea they were free for these cards. There's actually a Walmart SuperCenter about 10 minutes from my apartment so that could be really convenient. Quick question - do I need to go to the actual Money Center counter or can I just use any ATM inside Walmart? I want to make sure I don't accidentally use a fee-charging machine.
your gonna need to call them directly to get the right info for your situation. theres to many variables
good luck getting through on the phone tho 🙄
Use claimyr.com - worked for me after trying to call for 2 weeks straight
Been in the exact same boat - benefit year ended last month and I hadn't worked during unemployment either. Unfortunately @AstroAce is right, you won't qualify for a new claim without recent wages. I had to pivot quickly to job searching and looking into other assistance programs. The transition period is tough but there are some resources out there. Check with local workforce development centers too, they sometimes have emergency assistance programs. Hang in there! 💪
Unfortunately if you haven't worked since your original claim, you're probably out of luck for now. You'd need to find employment first, work for a while, then potentially qualify for a new benefit year. The good news is even part-time or temporary work can help you build up eligibility again.
How long would I need to work to qualify again? Just wondering if it's worth taking a temp job while I keep looking for something permanent.
@Maya Diaz You typically need to work in at least 2 quarters during your new base period and earn a minimum amount I (think it s'around $2,600 total but check with NYS DOL .)So even a temp job could help - just make sure you re'earning enough and working long enough to meet those requirements. It might be worth calling to get the exact numbers for your situation.
yeah this happened to my brother too. he had to take some gig work for a few months before he could file again. it sucks but at least there are options
Ryder Everingham
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and their payment timing is so inconsistent! Sometimes I get paid the day after the pay date, sometimes it takes three days. The whole system is a mess honestly.
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Lilly Curtis
•I had similar issues trying to get clear answers about payment timing from NYS Department of Labor directly. Spent hours on hold trying to reach someone. Actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about payment issues.
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Zoe Papadakis
I'm also new to unemployment and was wondering the same thing! From what I've experienced so far, the benefit pay date is definitely when they process it on their end, not when you actually get it. I've noticed that if the pay date falls on a weekend, it usually gets pushed to the next business day. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank so I know right away when the deposit hits. Also make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account - I had a friend who had delays because there was a typo in their routing number.
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