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dont forget the dust bowl too! that made everything worse especially for farmers. whole families had to migrate looking for work but there wasnt any. at least now if you lose your job you can file for UI benefits and do your job search requirements while you look for something new
The unemployment insurance system was revolutionary when it started. Before 1935, if you lost your job, that was it - no weekly payments, no job search assistance, nothing. The Great Depression showed how quickly economic disaster could spread, so they created these state-administered programs funded by employer taxes. That's basically still how NYS Department of Labor unemployment works today, just with modern technology and updated eligibility requirements.
same boat here, mine's been pending since early January and I'm getting really anxious about rent money
The key thing to remember is that retail workers laid off for store closures have strong unemployment cases. Higher area unemployment rates might actually work in your favor since it demonstrates economic necessity rather than individual performance issues. Document everything and be persistent with follow-up.
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this directly, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when I needed to clarify my eligibility status and couldn't get through the regular phone lines.
Just make sure you understand the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment. If workers comp has you listed as unable to work, that could disqualify you from UI benefits. But if you're cleared for modified duties and your employer can't accommodate that, you should be fine. Document everything from your doctor and employer about your work restrictions and their inability to provide suitable work.
Other things that can disqualify you: not registering for work search within required timeframe, turning down job offers that match your skills/pay level, not doing the required number of job searches per week, or having earnings that are too high while collecting. The job search requirements are pretty strict now - you need to do at least 3 searches per week and keep detailed records.
Madeline Blaze
Same boat here, got terminated Monday for 'performance issues' even though I think it was really because they're downsizing. Should I mention the real reason when I file or just go with what they put on the termination paperwork?
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Andrew Pinnock
•Be honest about the circumstances but don't overthink it. If you believe you were laid off due to downsizing rather than performance, you can explain that in your application. NYS Department of Labor will contact your employer to verify the reason for separation anyway.
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Max Knight
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question because i was wondering the same thing! filing mine tonight too
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