Part-timers tutored on unemployment insurance benefits Part-timers at SUNY New Paltz recently got a chance to learn the ins and outs of applying for unemployment benefits—thanks to their union.

The UUP New Paltz Chapter Part-Time Concerns Committee organized a workshop designed to provide members with the information they need to successfully apply for unemployment benefits. Chapter Vice President for Academics Peter D.G. Brown and Vice President for Part-Timers Yvonne Aspengren conducted the workshop.

More than a dozen part-timers turned to the union for advice. Some of the participants were applying for unemployment insurance for the first time; others had regularly been receiving benefits during teaching breaks.

“There is widespread confusion and lack of knowledge about applying for unemployment benefits, as well as concern among adjuncts that they might be vulnerable to retaliation from their employer,” Brown said. UUP is committed to providing members with more information and to exploring ways to “assist our adjuncts as they negotiate the unemployment insurance maze,” he added.

This information is especially timely for part-timers who do not have a one-year contract covering the spring term, as they may be eligible for benefits over winter break.

Brown reported that, since the workshop, more than half of the group received unemployment insurance “without a hitch,” while others won benefits on appeal after first being denied. “The last person to win an appeal was notified in October, with benefits awarded retroactively to May,” Brown added.

The experience proved to be a positive one for participants.

“I followed your advice and I’m into my third week of receiving unemployment benefits,” said one New Paltz part-timer.

“Thank you for sharing your experience,” added another union member. “I was denied. … I sent an appeal and borrowed some of the language, like ‘non-enforceable contract.’ … I received my first unemployment insurance payment. … Don’t be discouraged, appeal!”

HOW TO FILE FOR BENEFITS

Information on filing for unemployment insurance is available online at www.labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm.

Claims should be filed in the first week that a member has become totally or partially unemployed. It is important to file immediately.

Members should apply for unemployment insurance benefits by clicking on “Benefits Online Page” between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; all day Saturday; and Sunday until 7 p.m. Members may also file a claim by calling the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124 for New York state residents (or 1-877-358-5306 for out-of-state residents) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.