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Commuting and arriving at the office was similar to going to death penalty... When walked in, boss didn't look in my eyes, no coworker lifted their eyes off their monitor. I knew it! Then boss called me into the office and handed me the pink slip. Pink slip is actually white color, surprise!
I got pretty good severance: they paid me one week for each year that I've worked in the Company. Other than being kicked out on the street, I left on the good terms.
I mean, police didn't escort me out of the building with a box in my hands. My boss even let me keep my old laptop, so I didn't have to hassle transferring my emails and projects over. Everything that happened to me on that day was like a bad dream, but I only realised what happened, when I got on the bus home and the bus driver told me: “Hey, you are supposed to be going the other way”.So anyway, job market is REALLY SLOW right now and it seems that I will need to apply for NYS unemployment insurance. It's a time consuming process and each error can delay your first payment by a long time, so I will post my findings and tips in this thread.
First of all, you need to apply for unemployment on New York State Department of Labor website: https://ui.labor.sta....us/UBC/home.do You can apply for unemployment insurance day after your last day you worked. Its important that you apply immediately, first week after you do it is a free week. Department of labor will not pay for it, while they are doing their investigation. Few days after you file your initial unemployment claim, you should receive a brochure from NY State Department of Labor with instructions and frequently asked questions. I am attaching PDF of that booklet here, this is January 2010 version, it maybe not up to date.
TC318_3e.pdf (1.77MB)
Number of downloads: 123
Severance and Unemployment in NY
From what I found out, severance pay will not stop your unemployment benefits. As long you are unemployed and removed from your company schedule and spend 0 hours working there, you should be able to receive your weekly check.
Payment Options
There are two forms of payment that you could receive. New York State actually does not mail checks anymore. Options are Direct Deposit or Department of Labors ATM card. I highly advice to setup direct deposit right away, it will save you from paying ATM fees each time you withdraw cash from their no-bank ATM card.
Maximum unemployment payment that you can receive in New York State is $405 a week. Recently, Obama administration had approved additional funds and increased everyone's unemployment check by $25. So, maximum that you can receive is $430 a week. Crazy low number for one of the most expensive cities, maximum benefit in New Jersey is around $550 a week and $650 a week in Massachusetts. I think this is done on purpose, with rent in Manhattan being on average at $2,000 a month, you will have no choice but to find a new job really quick or get out of Manhattan. Less bums – better New York City.
I will add more information later, also will post my interview and shady recruiters experiences here.
Check back often!
