Unemployment Insurance

How can I get information about my Claim and payments?

You can obtain information about the status of your benefits on our website or on the TEL-SERVICE line. To check on the status of your payments: Go to our website at http://www.labor.ny.gov/, click on "Unemployment Assistance".

Click on "Check Payment History". Log in using your Social Security number and PIN and then select the option to "View Payment History". You will see a printable history of your payments, OR Call TEL-SERVICE at :

1-888-581-5812 (New York State Residents)
1-888-864-9920 (Out-of-State Residents)
1-877-205-3119 (TTY/TDD equipment users)

Both systems are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until midnight and from 12:01 am Saturday until midnight Sunday night. If there is a problem with your claim, you may be contacted by the Telephone Claims Center regarding your eligibility for benefits. The reason for this contact is to give you the opportunity to respond to information the Telephone Claims Center has received regarding your claim. It is important to respond as instructed. Failure to follow instructions could result in a delay of benefits.

How can I speak with someone about my Claim?

To speak to a representative about the status of your claim, call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124 (or 1-877-358-5306 for Out-of-State residents).

You will be given a choice of languages in which to receive services and then several options.

Option "4" is to ask a question about a claim that you have already filed.

You will be prompted to enter your Social Security Number and PIN, then you will be given the
options:

• To change your name, address or phone number, press 1.
• If you forgot your PIN or wish to set a new one, press 2.
• To begin or cancel the withholding of Federal income tax from your benefits, press 3.
• To begin or cancel the withholding of New York State income tax from your benefits, press 4.
• For all other questions, press 5.

For more information regarding your claim, please check the following links:

• Unemployment Insurance Claimant Information Handbook
• Claimant Frequently Asked Questions

Training

What is FASFA?

Answer: Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school. Federal Student Aid plays a central and essential role in supporting postsecondary education by providing money for college to eligible students and families.

The starting point for all financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application is available on-line, and through the Financial Aid Office at the college/university of your choice. Their financial aid staff will gladly assist you if you have any problems with the on-line application process. Once the application is submitted, it takes a day or two for the school to receive the electronic reply from the US Department of Education. The information contained in this document allows the Financial Aid Office to calculate the amount of financial aid each student will receive. More information can be obtained at http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

Our school would like to offer training to residents of Niagara County. What do we need to do to make this happen?

Answer: The first step for any training institution is to register their school and all training programs they are offering on the New York State Eligible Providers’ List at https://applications.labor.ny.gov/ETPL/TrainingProvider

To have a training program considered for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding in Niagara County, your training institution must have been in existence for a minimum of six(6) months, have had at least one graduating class in the training program being considered and you must provide the employment statistics of your graduates by each training program.

Youth

What documents do I need to get a job?

Today, most businesses require identification from you before you can apply for a job.

Social Security Card:  If you have lost your social security card, you can replace it by going to the Social Security Administration Main Office at 6540 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, www.socialsecurity.gov Local Number 716-283-1066

Photo Identification:  If you don't have a license, but need photo identification you can get a New York State Non-Drive Photo ID card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.  www.nysdmv.com

Birth Certificate:  If you have lost your Birth Certificate you can get a certified copy at the following locations:

Niagara Falls City Hall - 286-4392  - 745 Main St. Niagara Falls, NY 14302 
Lockport City Hall - 439-6676 - 1 Locks Plaza Lockport, NY 14094
North Tonawanda City Hall- 695-8555 - 216 Payne Ave.  North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Where do I get working papers?

• Facts for Teenagers under 18 
• I’m under 18 what hours can I work?
• What is the minimum wage?

Trade Act

Who does Trade Act serve?

The Trade Adjustment Assistance(TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment (ATAA) programs help trade-affected workers who lose their jobs as a result of increased imports or shifts in production out the United States. The primary focus of the TAA program is on training.

What makes a person eligible for Trade Act benefits?

To be determined entitled to TAA, workers must have worked for the trade-impacted employer a minimum of 26 weeks earning more than $30 per week within the 52 week period prior to separation. The New York State Department of Labor Special Programs Unit determines eligibility.

What funding is available for training under Trade Act?

New York State’s current training cap is $20,000 for programs up to 130 weeks in duration and $10,000 for programs up to 52 weeks in duration.

Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) and Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) allows older TAA eligible workers to receive a wage subsidy to help bridge the salary gap between their old and new employment. The subsidy is up to half the difference between the worker’s old and new wage. The payments have specific limitations and are determined by the petition the individual is certified under.

What if I want to look for work out of the area?

Job search and relocation allowances can be paid to individuals who are Trade-impacted. Reimbursement rates are determined by the petition the individual has been certified under.
Is there help available under Trade Act to pay health insurance premiums?

Workers who are eligible to receive income support under the TAA program may be eligible to receive tax credits of 65% of the monthly health insurance premium they pay. Detailed information on the Health Care Tax Credit and a list of state qualified health plans can be found on the IRS website.

Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

What Is A Workforce Investment Board?

Workforce Investment Boards bring together representatives from business, labor, community-based organizations, education, human services, economic development and other groups to structure and develop policy to deliver local workforce development services. The Board’s mission is to create a local  workforce system that enables individuals to become self-sufficient and continually upgrade their work skills; to ensure employers have the skilled workers they need to compete effectively in the global economy; and to connect unemployed and underemployed discouraged workers to jobs and careers.

What are the WIB's Responsibilities?

• set policy for the portion of the statewide workforce investment system within the local area
• develop a budget for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the local board
• conduct oversight with respect to local programs of youth activities, local employment and training activities, and the one-stop delivery system in the local area, in partnership with the chief elected official
• negotiate and reach agreement on local performance measures
• designate or certify one-stop operators and conduct oversight with respect to the one-stop delivery system in the local area
• designate or certify one-stop operators
• coordinate the workforce investment activities authorized and carried out in the local area with economic development strategies and develop other employer linkages
• identify providers of training and labor market services
• award contracts to certified service providers
• develop a local plan
• promote private sector employer participation in all workforce activities to assist in meeting their hiring needs, and to connect workforce investment with local and regional development strategies

Who Are The Customers of The Workforce Investment System?

The workforce investment system serves two primary customers: the job seeker, and the business community. Our job seekers’ goals are to secure employment, retain employment, upgrade skills, and maintain economic self sufficiency. The businesses that are served want to find qualified employees quickly in a cost efficient manner.

The Workforce Investment Board's role is to help meet all our customers’ needs by establishing those working relationships between the local workforce investment system and the business community.

What Area Does The WIB Serve?

The Niagara County Workforce Investment Board serves the geographic area of Niagara County, New York. There are currently 33 local area WIBs in New York State.

Who Appoints The Workforce Investment Board?

The Niagara County Legislature appoints the local WIB Board members, in accordance with the regulations of the Workforce Investment Act.

How Can I find More Information On Workforce Investment Boards and on the Workforce Investment Act?

Information on Workforce Investment Boards can be found at www.doleta.gov