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The unemployment system wasn't designed for the modern economy. Most of the rules and procedures were created decades ago when job markets were more stable and predictable. Now you have gig workers, remote positions, seasonal employment, and industry shifts that don't fit into the old categories. The NYS Department of Labor infrastructure can't handle the volume or complexity of today's workforce situations.
I had a nightmare situation where my employer claimed I was a contractor but I was clearly an employee. Took months to sort out with the NYS Department of Labor and I couldn't get through on the phone to explain my situation. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Ended up getting my benefits retroactively once they determined my employer was wrong.
Most restaurant workers are definitely covered unless you're working under the table. The real issue isn't whether employers 'pay unemployment' - they pay unemployment TAXES, and those taxes fund the system that pays YOU benefits when you're unemployed. Big difference that a lot of people don't understand.
The unemployment system is such BS. They make it so complicated to figure out if you qualify and then take forever to make decisions. Even if you have good reasons they'll probably find some way to deny you initially just to save money.
Been there! Applied for EBT when I was on unemployment in 2023. Got approved for about $400/month for me and my daughter. The unemployment definitely counted as income but it wasn't enough to disqualify us. The application asks for all your income sources including unemployment benefits.
Yara Sayegh
THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been waiting 3 WEEKS for mine to be approved and every time I call I get hung up on. They owe me over $1200 in back payments and I'm about to lose my apartment. This is ridiculous that they can just hold our money hostage like this.
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Keisha Johnson
•I feel you, it's so stressful when you're counting on that money. Hang in there.
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Paolo Longo
Same boat here, filed 10 days ago and still nothing. At least we're not alone in this I guess.
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