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I remember when I first got unemployment I thought it would be like my regular paycheck! Reality hit pretty hard when I realized it was only about half. The benefits are really just meant to keep you afloat while job searching, not maintain your previous lifestyle. Make sure you're actively looking for work because they do require job search activities.
Wait, what kind of job search activities? I've been applying to jobs but nobody told me about specific requirements.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor agents to get more details about your benefit calculation, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. I was stuck trying to understand my benefit rate for weeks before using them to actually talk to someone.
If you do need to contact NYS Department of Labor about your claim, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I used them when I couldn't get through to an agent after calling for days. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me get my questions answered about my compensation amount.
honestly the whole system is designed to deny as many people as possible... they'll find ANY excuse to say no and then make you jump through hoops to prove you deserve it
Just to clarify - unemployment insurance in NY was actually established in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act, but I think you're asking about your personal claim timeline rather than the historical origins of the program! Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from your effective date, and you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits during that period.
Vanessa Figueroa
Wait so if I quit my job can I still collect unemployment? Or does it have to be like a layoff situation? Also how long does it take to get approved? I'm getting really worried about my rent payment next month.
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Christian Burns
•Generally you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own - so layoffs, company closures, being fired for non-misconduct reasons. Quitting usually disqualifies you unless it was for good cause. Processing times vary but expect at least a few weeks, especially if your claim goes into adjudication.
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Abby Marshall
just want to say thanks for asking this because I was wondering the same thing but felt stupid asking lol
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