Looking for a Job

There are many people who are collecting unemployment and refuse to accept a part time job, especially if it is commission only, for fear their unemployment benefits would stop. This is not the case. According to the Department of Labor, you must be fitted to the job by training and experience. For example, let's say you worked at a gas station for a long time, and you got laid off. You will not be required to work in any other kind of environment other than a gas station.

But of course, every situation is different and there could be certain factors to change the rules. The best way around this is to check with the DOL to be sure of your rights and obligations while on unemployment.
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The whole process of unemployment benefits in NYC is so complicated - anyone have a website to simplify things?

Also, how do freelancers square in with the benefits system? Do we have to earn a minimum amount, or are we excluded by virtue of being "employed"
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hhusted 2yrs+
The best way to find out how you qualify for unemployment is to go here:

http://www.unemploymenthelpcenter.com/?ad=02&state=New%20York&keyword=unemployment%20office&creative=4241136969&searchtype=s&placement=&gclid=CLarmovwv58CFRRN5QodwWLQzw

Hopefully, this website will explain things. Plus, you can also apply while there. Based on the unemployment rules or laws, you can still collect unemployment, even if you work part time. The only thing that will happen is your benefits will be cut down, based on the amount you make at your part time job.
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
It's prorated according to income. Doesn't matter if you are employed part time or a freelancer. Recently found this very good website for freelancers, which helps with things like affordable health insurance rates, etc.

http://freelancersunion.org/
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I've been a member of the Freelancers' Union for a while now... they offer some interesting seminars at very decent prices. I actually wish the healthcare was a bit more affordable, though.
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@ BroadwayBK Yeah it's a decent site, though I agree the health insurance rates didn't astonish. My gym gives a nice discount for being part of the freelancers union, though.
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
That's definitely the best thing about the union - all the random discounts.
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hhusted 2yrs+
Yep. Trying to get health insurance through Freelancer's Union is like trying to pull teeth. They have so many procedures in place. If you do not go by their exact requirements, you can't get the health insurance. I have a friend who is self-employed. She joined the Freelancer's Union. She tried to sign up for health insurance but was told she had to meet certain strict requirements. She could not meet them, as such she could not get the insurance.
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
This morning when I was on my weekly TJ's run there was a guy standing outside the store and yelling himself ohoarse as he was trying to recruit people for the Census 2010. He kept saying things like flexible, part-time etc etc but I didnt see one person stop to ask him details about the job. Funny considering NYC has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country.
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BroadwayBK 2yrs+
@uptowngirl Perhaps all the unemployed people are at home electronically sending their resumes?
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@ BroadwayBK Hah, more power to them if sitting at home pressing the "Send" button actually leads to employment. I'm gonna just guess it doesn't, though.

So why are census jobs so undesirable?
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uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I was also wondering about that..perhaps its a safety issue..maybe you have no control over the choice of area allocated to you and would not like to go door to door in a dodgy area to find out about household residents. Isn't that what a census entails?
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Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@uptowngirl Could be. Seem to recall old-time stories of people slamming their doors on Census Bureau people, but I thought that only happened in the backwoods somewhere where any kind of visit from a government official means trouble.
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