UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

It is a fact that for many Claimants, UI benefits will not be enough. It is also a fact that for those Claimants who have been denied benefits, it will be some time before hearings, appeals, etc. may get you UI benefits. This is from a press release issued a few days ago and it is something that I advise all of my clients who are in the hearing process regarding their benefits:

"The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the State Department of Labor today discussed the unemployment situation in the Capital Region and programs and services available to help struggling New Yorkers provide for themselves and their families in these difficult times. At an event in Albany, State officials discussed the local unemployment situation and what is being done to help the unemployed. State officials also reminded people struggling to put food on the table that they can now apply for food stamp assistance online in much of the Capital Region. Under Governor David A. Paterson’s leadership, New York has created a website where anyone can quickly and easily find out what benefits and services they may be eligible for at myBenefits.ny.gov. The site also offers an electronic food stamp application, allowing residents in much of the Albany area to apply online. “During good economic times and especially during rough patches, State government is first and foremost accountable to New York's taxpayers,” said Governor Paterson. “There is no doubt that the past year has been a turbulent time. We need to let New Yorkers know about the expanded suite of State and federal programs aimed at helping working families to reassure them that State government is committed to bettering their lives.” “We recognize that many of those hard hit by the downturn have never sought help before, and we’re working to make it as easy as possible for those who are eligible to obtain benefits,” said Elizabeth Berlin, OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner. “The myBenefits site allows people to apply for food stamps without having to take time off from work, or from looking for work, to visit the local department of social services to apply. As a result of the numerous steps we’ve taken over the past two years to make it easier for those eligible to access food stamp benefits, New York State has been well-positioned to respond to the increased demand.” “Although some say this brutal recession is ending, too many New Yorkers are still unemployed, struggling to provide food and shelter for themselves and their families,” State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said. “Unemployment benefits can only stretch so far, and we urge anyone in need to take advantage of benefits and services offered through the myBenefits.ny.gov website.” The myBenefits site, launched in May 2008, allows New Yorkers to complete a simple online prescreening to determine whether they are likely to qualify for multiple benefits – including food stamps, home energy assistance, Earned Income Tax Credits, child and dependent care credits, Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and school lunch programs, among others. Plans call for including additional program screenings through myBenefits over time, with the ultimate goal of allowing individuals and families to apply for an array of programs by answering one set of simple questions online. Residents of 27 counties – including Albany, Schenectady, Greene, Warren and Washington counties – can already submit a food stamp application through the website with the assistance of designated community organizations. Additionally, residents of 12 counties can use myBenefits to apply directly for food stamps from any computer with Internet access at any time convenient for them. Between September 2008 and September 2009, the number of individuals receiving food stamp benefits in the Capital Region has increased 27 percent, going from more than 75,000 people to just over 95,000. Statewide, enrollment grew 23 percent over the same period to more than 2.5 million recipients, an all-time high. Governor Paterson, OTDA and the Department of Labor have made the economic security of New Yorkers a priority. Those facing the loss of unemployment benefits, collecting unemployment, or just having a hard time getting by financially, should visit myBenefits.ny.gov to see what assistance may be available to them.
To learn more about the programs New York State has to offer, visit www.ny.gov/governor and click on the link for “Resources for Working Families.”"

NOTE - IF THE MYBENEFITS WEBSITE IS NOT APPLICABLE TO YOUR COUNTY, PHONE YOUR COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES