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Actually, that's not bad advice. Filing the claim is free and if you don't qualify under the standard base period, the system will automatically check your alternate base period. Plus you'll get a determination letter that explains exactly why you do or don't qualify, which is more specific than trying to calculate it yourself.
This whole system is ridiculous! They make it so confusing and then penalize you if you make a mistake. I had income from three different sources when I filed and it took WEEKS to sort out the adjudication because they kept asking for more documentation.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific rate, I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed to verify my benefit calculation.
I had similar confusion when I started my business last year. The key thing is keeping your federal and NYS Department of Labor filings synchronized. I use a payroll service now because trying to track both systems manually was a nightmare. They handle the quarterly deposits and annual filings for both federal and state. Worth the cost for peace of mind. If you need to contact NYS Department of Labor directly about your account setup, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through their phone lines quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works.
How much does a payroll service typically cost for a small business? I'm trying to decide if it's worth it.
Interesting about Claimyr - I've been trying to reach NYS Department of Labor for weeks to set up my employer account.
Isabella Ferreira
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my claim history. Spent hours on hold. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
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CosmicCommander
•How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for my first payment.
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Isabella Ferreira
•They focus more on the value of actually getting through rather than the cost. Way less frustrating than calling myself over and over.
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Ravi Sharma
honestly the whole system is set up for people to bounce between jobs now, its not like our parents generation where you stayed at one company forever. dont stress about it
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NebulaNomad
•Exactly! The unemployment system had to adapt to modern work patterns.
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