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Just want to add that you'll also need to do job search activities to keep getting benefits. Right now it's 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log. Examples include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or working with a career counselor. Don't skip this part because they do audit people randomly!
File now! I was in retail management for years and the benefits calculation includes your base pay plus averaged tips if they were reported. Don't assume you won't qualify for a decent amount. Plus unemployment gives you time to find a GOOD job instead of just taking the first thing that comes along. The job search requirements are pretty reasonable - usually 3 contacts per week and they accept online applications.
I was in a similar situation last month and kept getting hung up on when I called the NYS Department of Labor. If you're having trouble getting through to verify anything about timing, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful when I could actually talk to someone about my specific situation.
this whole NYS Department of Labor system is a JOKE. took me 6 months to get my initial claim approved and now the weekly filing doesn't even work half the time. how are people supposed to survive when they make it this hard to get your benefits??
Giovanni Marino
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to set up tax withholding, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was able to update my withholding preferences the same day instead of waiting weeks to get through on the phone.
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ThunderBolt7
•Thanks for this! I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for days but keep getting disconnected. I'll check out that site.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
The tax thing is frustrating but you can also just set aside money yourself if you don't want to reduce your weekly payments. I put about 15% of each payment into a separate savings account for taxes. That way I have the full amount when I need it and don't have to stress about owing money I don't have.
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ThunderBolt7
•That's a good idea. I'm going to start doing this with my next payment. Better to be prepared than get surprised later.
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