Topic Wiki

Thank you @cgr for all your efforts on behalf of everyone here.
If anyone would like to show her appreciation, click here: https://bit.ly/3fS4yDE
For the record, she has no idea that I am posting this.


!WHEN ASKING A QUESTION POST YOUR LOCATION OR OTHERS WILL BE UNABLE TO ASSIST!

You are eligible for the $600 weekly FPUC payment if you are on any sort of unemployment, including PUA and partial unemployment. This is available for claims dated 3/28/20-7/31/20. The federal supplement does not affect eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP. It does affect SNAP and TANF.

If you filed for UI more than a week after your layoff date, you are eligible for backpay.

The obligatory waiting week has been waived, so your claim will process with a date a week earlier than what you apply for, to account for the waiting week waiver.

NY
There is a streamlined application process so that all applicants complete the same form, regardless of which program they'll eventually be eligible for.
PUA:
Unemployment for the self-employed. Acceptable proof of income includes prior year tax returns, 1099, P&L, bank statements and more. You will most likely be approved for standard UI even if you're an independent contractor, if you had W2 employment within the last 18 months.
If you are assigned the minimum rate of $182 when it should be higher based on your income, complete this form, fax it in, then send it again via the message center (Subject1: "Benefit Rate and Monetary Determination" Subject2: "Some of my wages are missing or incorrect") so that they definitely got it. Your rate should be adjusted in less than a week. You are also entitled to get your updated rate on all prior weeks.
You are also eligible for PUA if you landed a job but where unable to start due to the pandemic. You need an employment offer that was then rescinded to prove this.
PUA is available for a total of 46 weeks from 02/02/20-12/31/20.
Partial UI:
You can apply for partial UI if you're working 3 days or less, and earning $504/weekly or less. The DOL deducts 25% of your base rate for every day that you work. (You receive 100% of your rate if you don't work at all, 75% if you work 1 day, 50% if you work 2 days, and 25% if you work 3 days).
PEUC:
For those on regular unemployment- you will receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits after you've exhausted your initial 26 weeks. This benefit is available through 12/31/20.
Extended Benefits:
For those on regular unemployment- you will receive an additional 20 weeks of benefits after you've exhausted your initial 26 weeks and your PEUC weeks. This makes for a total of 59 weeks that you can possible receive unemployment benefits. This benefit is available as long as the state's unemployment rate is high.
Requesting Backpay:
The NY DOL is using Docusign to allow claimants to file backpay. You should receive an email from the DOL with instructions. The email subject is "Action Required - NYS DOL Certification for Back Week Payments". This might end up in your spam folder, so be sure to check that as well.
If you don't receive this email or you don't want to wait, call the NY DOL and speak to an agent to certify for backpay over the phone.
It takes a little less than a week from when you complete backdated certifications until your claims are processed and funds are released.
$0 Benefit Determination:
Email @cgr for instructions on a fix for this issue

You can email @cgr at chaiplus1@gmail.com for help with any unemployment questions.


NJ
Apply here.
PUA:
Unemployment for the self-employed. Acceptable proof of income includes prior year tax returns, 1099, P&L, bank statements and more. You will most likely be approved for standard UI even if you're an independent contractor, if you had W2 employment within the last 18 months.
At this point it looks like claimants are still being given $231- the minimum PUA rate- regardless of prior income.
You are also eligible for PUA if you landed a job but where unable to start due to the pandemic. You need an employment offer that was then rescinded to prove this.
PUA is available for a total of 46 weeks from 02/02/20-12/31/20.
Partial UI:
You can apply for partial UI if your hours have been reduced by 20% or more. You'll be allowed to earn an additional 20% above your rate determination. Your earnings will then be deducted from your rate, and you'll receive the balance as your UI payment.
PEUC:
For those on regular unemployment- you will receive an additional 13 weeks of benefits after you've exhausted your initial 26 weeks. This benefit is available through 12/31/20.
Extended Benefits:
For those on regular unemployment- you will receive an additional 20 weeks of benefits after you've exhausted your initial 26 weeks and your PEUC weeks. This makes for a total of 59 weeks that you can possible receive unemployment benefits. This benefit is available as long as the state's unemployment rate is high.
Requesting Backpay:
You can request backpay if you are lucky enough to get through to an agent.

Here is a guide for NJ residents from the LRRC.
« Last edited by cgr on November 27, 2020, 09:48:37 AM »

Author Topic: Unemployment Help  (Read 470733 times)

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3320 on: October 15, 2020, 10:44:17 AM »
Asking for a friend: I called the unemployment office, got transferred to specialist, they asked me to upload social security card, front and nack of my ID, and passport. They said they might need more proof. Did anyone ever have that? Should i send in my information?

If NY then yes, very common.
Upload it via the message center- that way you know it's really going to them.

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3321 on: October 15, 2020, 10:45:14 AM »
It is starting to limp instead of being completely paralyzed. I have started to hear of people who are getting backpay. And they came up with a wonderful convoluted system to implement it. In essence, they cancel your old claim and create a new one and then you need to recertify for all the weeks all over again.

>:(
Is it by request only?

Offline skv

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2020
  • Posts: 132
  • Total likes: 21
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3322 on: October 15, 2020, 10:54:45 AM »
>:(
Is it by request only?

Seems that way

Offline beeweegee

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 1588
  • Total likes: 141
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York, NY
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3323 on: October 15, 2020, 11:01:53 AM »
Seems that way
What's the best method for requesting? (NJ)

Offline nucheiner

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Sep 2016
  • Posts: 495
  • Total likes: 90
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3324 on: October 15, 2020, 11:23:35 AM »
It is starting to limp instead of being completely paralyzed. I have started to hear of people who are getting backpay. And they came up with a wonderful convoluted system to implement it. In essence, they cancel your old claim and create a new one and then you need to recertify for all the weeks all over again.
This can be very difficult for people who were working part time who need to resubmit their income earned each week from months ago. Unless one is paid a fixed amount weekly, it can be difficult to calculate and get the same numbers. What happens if theres is a discrepancy?

Online etech0

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 12861
  • Total likes: 3316
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: not lakewood
  • Programs: DDF
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3325 on: October 15, 2020, 11:24:35 AM »
This can be very difficult for people who were working part time who need to resubmit their income earned each week from months ago. Unless one is paid a fixed amount weekly, it can be difficult to calculate and get the same numbers. What happens if theres is a discrepancy?
If I was calculating that every week I'd keep record of it just in case.
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3326 on: October 15, 2020, 11:59:31 AM »
This can be very difficult for people who were working part time who need to resubmit their income earned each week from months ago. Unless one is paid a fixed amount weekly, it can be difficult to calculate and get the same numbers. What happens if theres is a discrepancy?

You can check your payment for each week and deduce from that how much income you declared.

Online est

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 456
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3327 on: October 15, 2020, 01:00:04 PM »
It is starting to limp instead of being completely paralyzed. I have started to hear of people who are getting backpay. And they came up with a wonderful convoluted system to implement it. In essence, they cancel your old claim and create a new one and then you need to recertify for all the weeks all over again.
Just FYI because of this crazy system when they cancel the old claims you will then get a scary looking bill in the mail saying you were overpaid and owe the government back all that money and have 10 days to appeal or begin payments. But seems it’s meant to be ignored

Offline miles lover

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 938
  • Total likes: 31
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood NJ
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3328 on: October 15, 2020, 02:00:38 PM »
Just FYI because of this crazy system when they cancel the old claims you will then get a scary looking bill in the mail saying you were overpaid and owe the government back all that money and have 10 days to appeal or begin payments. But seems it’s meant to be ignored
How do I get involved in the new crazy system for backpay NJ ?

Offline nucheiner

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Sep 2016
  • Posts: 495
  • Total likes: 90
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3329 on: October 15, 2020, 04:21:22 PM »
You can check your payment for each week and deduce from that how much income you declared.
Do you mean by to refer to the deposit amounts? Good idea. But wont work well for people who did not certify each week.

Offline skv

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2020
  • Posts: 132
  • Total likes: 21
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3330 on: October 15, 2020, 04:56:13 PM »
How do I get involved in the new crazy system for backpay NJ ?

Call the unemployment office. 732-761-2021

Online gozalim

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 4255
  • Total likes: 812
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3331 on: October 15, 2020, 07:41:27 PM »
I'm in NY and
getting message that i need to call claim center to complete application
seems like this
In NYS:
After signing up online, you have to complete your claim by phone. The problem is the call center is always either "busy" or "experiencing a long wait time." Does anyone know of any shortcuts/ back-doors to get through to them to complete a claim?
is still the question.
is there updated guidance? is there a way to go through the website/message center to clear this up instead?
or a way to ensure getting through on the phone?

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3332 on: October 15, 2020, 07:49:34 PM »
I'm in NY andseems like thisis still the question.
is there updated guidance? is there a way to go through the website/message center to clear this up instead?
or a way to ensure getting through on the phone?

https://homeunemployed.com/tips-and-tidbits-10-02-2020/#Tips_for_Calling_the_DOL

Online gozalim

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 4255
  • Total likes: 812
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3333 on: October 15, 2020, 07:55:41 PM »
https://homeunemployed.com/tips-and-tidbits-10-02-2020/#Tips_for_Calling_the_DOL
thanks.
Is there a chance that proactively sending in some ID will resolve it without needing to call in?

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3334 on: October 15, 2020, 07:58:58 PM »
thanks.
Is there a chance that proactively sending in some ID will resolve it without needing to call in?

Eh maybe a 25% chance.
Often that's not the issue and they just want to speak with the claimant live.

Offline ShimshonK

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2018
  • Posts: 550
  • Total likes: 148
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3335 on: October 15, 2020, 09:56:20 PM »
Just chanced upon this Reddit thread from a few months ago. May be helpful for anyone in NJ. Not sure if this has been shared here earlier, but here it is. https://www.reddit.com/r/Unemployment/comments/gx3szs/new_jersey_for_anyone_trying_to_get_connected/

Quote
Start Calling 732-761-2021 at around 7:36AM - you will hear the recording that the Employment Center is Closed. Keep Calling

At roughly 7:40AM, the recording will change and you will hear ONE of FIVE messages.

Here they are and what actions you should take:

Due to high volume of calls right now... HANG UP AND REDIAL

Thank you for calling the New Jersey Department of Labor ... HANG UP AND REDIAL

Please hold for the next available agent... DO NOTHING, STAY ON HOLD AND DO NOT PRESS ANY OPTIONS

Line will ring and then you hear some hold music... AGAIN, DO NOTHING, STAY ON HOLD AND DO NOT PRESS ANY OPTIONS

You will hear recording asking you to leave your name and number for someone to call you back ... DO THIS and STAY OFF OF YOUR PHONE. THEY WILL CALL YOU BACK! THEY WILL ONLY CALL FROM A PRIVATE NUMBER (so make sure the feature for blocked numbers or Silence Unknown callers is disabled on your smart phones) For iphone users, Go To Settings, Scroll down to Phone, Disable Silence Unknown Callers.

Basically unless you hear options 3, 4, or 5, hang up and redial and I cannot stress enough to keep at it; put your Air pods or headphones in and click that redial button. Yes, some days you will not get through but today it happened for me and it will happen for you - just be patient 🙂

Offline skv

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2020
  • Posts: 132
  • Total likes: 21
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3336 on: October 15, 2020, 10:01:11 PM »
Just chanced upon this Reddit thread from a few months ago. May be helpful for anyone in NJ. Not sure if this has been shared here earlier, but here it is. https://www.reddit.com/r/Unemployment/comments/gx3szs/new_jersey_for_anyone_trying_to_get_connected/

Much better advice - if they offer you to stay on hold or press 1 for a callback, wait on hold. It is not true that you will not lose your place on line and the chances of you missing the call back are high unless you are the type that is available 24-7

Online etech0

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 12861
  • Total likes: 3316
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: not lakewood
  • Programs: DDF
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3337 on: October 15, 2020, 10:04:08 PM »
My hold time was only 65 minutes when they told me the estimate was 110. Of course as soon as I started talking to the specialist we got disconnected, so idk if that helps...
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

Online JuryDuty

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2018
  • Posts: 1106
  • Total likes: 227
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3338 on: October 15, 2020, 11:24:07 PM »
I am still trying to get a few weeks that I didn't get as part of the backpay. I've been calling, no answer. I was messaging them and had luck, even sending them all the required info that was requested, but after that I haven't heard anything. I've sent a follow-up message twice (it's been two months since) but still no response. Any ideas?
Jury Duty: Nothing to do there but chill and write a TR. Kinda like the beach but missing the view and ocean breeze.

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Unemployment Help
« Reply #3339 on: October 15, 2020, 11:32:29 PM »
I am still trying to get a few weeks that I didn't get as part of the backpay. I've been calling, no answer. I was messaging them and had luck, even sending them all the required info that was requested, but after that I haven't heard anything. I've sent a follow-up message twice (it's been two months since) but still no response. Any ideas?

Phone call?