Bronx Residents: Apply for Unemployment Benefits Today

The recession has cost New Yorkers in every borough jobs, and Bronx residents have been among the hardest hit. From November to December, the unemployment rate in the Bronx was higher than in any other borough: While the citywide rate rose from 6.3 percent to 7.3 percent, the Bronx unemployment rate jumped from 8.3 percent to 9.6 percent.

This has left 50,000 Bronx residents out of work, according to the office of the Bronx Borough President. However, as of this January, only 16,000 were receiving unemployment insurance. With additional support from President Obama’s stimulus package, New York is able to extend the unemployment benefits program —but Bronx residents first need to know they exist and apply for them.

The Bronx Borough President released a helpful Unemployment Benefits Fact Sheet for Bronx residents. The Fact Sheet outlines eligibility requirements and application procedures in a clear, concise (and bilingual) format. For example, to qualify for unemployment insurance, you must have:

• Worked in at least two calendar quarters, two three month periods, over the last five calendar quarters
• Earned at least $1,600 over one quarter (approx. $125 a week), the quarter in which you earn the most is your high quarter
• Earned at least 1.5 times your high quarter earnings over the last five quarters

If you, or anyone you know, is eligible but has yet to apply, refer to this fact sheet, or simply contact the New York State unemployment office online or by phone at 1-888-209-8124.

We all need to do our part to help our fellow New Yorkers get through this crisis. Please help spread the word.

Comments

[Imee]

So many people, not just in New York State, are going on welfare and getting help from taxpayer-funded programs. I can observe that demand for unemployment benefits, food stamps, and other programs is becoming more and more "normal." Should we be alarmed?