Unemployment benefits is income that is temporary for eligible workers who are unemployed because of no fault of their own and who are available and ready to work. The one who is filing must have enough work and wages in employment to be eligible.
In New York, the money provided for unemployment benefits comes from taxes that have been paid by employers. Deductions are not made from any worker’s pay for unemployment insurance. It is the responsibility of the Department of Labor to decide whether or not an unemployed worker is eligible for unemployment.
Unemployment benefits are determined on the individual’s earnings in a base period. As of December 2008, the benefits provided in New York ranged between $40 and $405. The benefits are taxed with Federal income and one many choose to have taxes taken out of the benefits check.
Throughout the United States, it usually takes two or three weeks for the one filing to receive his check after filing a claim. The duration of unemployment benefits in New York is 26 weeks, but this time period can be extended during times of special circumstance or high employment.
An additional $25 payment each week is being given to recipients of unemployment, known as FAC (Federal Additional Compensation). This payment is given at the same time as regular payments of unemployment. Those who have chosen to have Federal tax taken out of their checks will be receiving $22.50 each week. No additional action needs to b taken by the one filing to receive these extra FAC payments. July 4, 2010 will be the last week that FAC payments will be made.
Because the average rate of unemployment in New York is now more than 8%, seven weeks of Extended Benefits have been added; coming to a total of 20 weeks. This is added to the regular benefits of 26 weeks and the Emergency Benefits of 33 weeks.
Unemployment benefits claims need to be filed the very first week that one has become either partially or totally unemployed. It is vital to file quickly because the first week is a waiting week that is unpaid, usually called the ‘waiting period’. A delay in the filing may cost some benefits. It is also very important to make sure before filing, that all information needed that will be needed.
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