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Today’s edition · Tues., Nov. 3

NY's unemployment system is down for up to 12 days, and HEAP is open

Plus, Monroe County set an early-voting record ahead of today's Election Day.

The Rochester Morning News team2 stories17 sources5 min read

JobsTop story

NY's unemployment system is offline for up to 12 days, and RochesterWorks can't help with claims

9 to 12 daysthe state's unemployment system is expected to stay offline

New claims, weekly certifications and account access are all unavailable until the upgrade is done.

Sources: RochesterFirst, WXXI News

If you're filing for unemployment or already collecting it, the state's system is offline for nine to 12 days while the Department of Labor upgrades a platform that's about 50 years old. It went down Monday, Nov. 2, and WXXI News says the shutdown started at 5 p.m.

Payments could be delayed until the upgraded system is running. Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said claimants who filed before the shutdown shouldn't be affected.

You can't file or certify, but job search help continues

TaskDuring the outage
File a new claimUnavailable
Certify for weekly benefitsUnavailable
Access account informationUnavailable
Job search help at RochesterWorksAvailable

Sources: RochesterFirst, WXXI News

  • Work search: at least three activities a week, unless exempt
  • Payments are denied until you provide proof of work search
  • Businesses: NYS-1 and NYS-45 filings aren't affected
  • After the upgrade: file and certify from your phone

CEO Dave Seeley said staff can't help with claims while the system's down, but job search and career questions are fair game by phone, virtual appointment or in person. The department will notify claimants directly when services return.

Money

HEAP heating aid is open, and more Monroe County households may qualify this year

If heating bills have you wincing, applications opened Monday, Nov. 2. Gov. Kathy Hochul said families of four earning up to $82,000 may qualify, and some households get benefits automatically while others have to apply. Households that get delivered fuel can receive up to $990.

Delivered-fuel households can get up to $990; wood, pellet and coal up to $700

Source: 13WHAM-TV

View as table
Value
Oil, propane, kerosene$990
Wood, pellet, coal$700

Monroe County's Troy Coffie says the offices are fully staffed and that the higher income guidelines mean more people could apply.

Families of four earning up to $82,000 may qualify for HEAP

$82,000
income cap for a family of four, Hochul said
Over 54,000
Monroe County applicants last year
Over $16M
sent to utility companies from Monroe County last year

Sources: RochesterFirst, Democrat and Chronicle

  • Apply early: HEAP is first come, first served
  • Thermostat: each degree lower saves about 3% on fuel, RG&E says

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Rochester answered.

Asked

Do you plan to apply for HEAP this winter?

Be the first to answer.

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News Notes

Election Day

If you haven't voted yet, today's the day, and you have to go to your designated polling place. Monroe County's nine-day early-voting period drew 95,929 voters, and the Board of Elections reported record-breaking turnout. Greece Town Hall saw the most votes, and about 19% of the county's roughly 500,000 registered voters voted early. Today is also the deadline to postmark an absentee ballot or deliver it in person, and postmarked ballots must arrive by Nov. 10. RochesterFirstWXXI NewsWHEC.com13WHAM-TV13WHAM-TV

Monroe County's early vote hit 95,929, up from 55,211 in 2022

Sources: RochesterFirst, 13WHAM-TV

View as table
Value
202255,211
2025 (by Nov. 2)31,174
202695,929

Terrence Building

At its Oct. 20 meeting, Rochester City Council approved using $20 million from Empire State Development to demolish the abandoned psychiatric hospital on Elmwood Avenue. The money also goes toward a mixed-use redevelopment plan that includes 500 housing units. WHEC.com

READY

The school-reform group is seeking $1 million from Rochester's business community as part of a $5.2 million grant from City Fund. It aims to grow the number of Rochester students in quality public schools from fewer than 3,000 to 10,000 by 2034. Rochester Business Journal

Brighton fields

The state DEC approved the environmental testing plans needed before construction can resume at Brighton High School's stalled athletic fields project. Depending on test results and any additional approvals, construction could restart this month. WHEC.com

Greece

The Town of Greece is receiving $539,185 in grant funding to remove invasive water chestnuts from Braddock Bay and nearby waterways. RochesterFirst

Home

Two cute home finds: This elegant, patterned entry rug that’s under $19 and comes in three charming patterns to match your decor, and this double picture frame for $9.99 that’s perfect for displaying family memories on your mantle.*

The Buy

Product find alert: You’ve never used a steamer like this vacuum clothes steamer, which heats up in 30 seconds and offers powerful, even steaming and vacuum suction to remove dust and wrinkles. Use it on clothes like this women’s batwing sweater for a crisp, polished fall look.*

Local

Want to reach the people who read this before their first coffee? 6AM City’s self-service portal lets you pick your placement, set your budget and be in tomorrow’s edition. Try it today.

Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Rochester answered.

Asked

How are you voting this midterm?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.

— David Foster Wallace

Things to Do

Things to Do

Rochester, NY

Tuesday, Nov. 3

See every Rochester eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

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Do you know just the role for our readers? Share it on our Jobs board.

Around the Block

Around the Block

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Neighbors

hello everyone i am asking you all for your prayers my brother is in the hospital with cancer and they gave him two months to live but i don't see him making it that long we oh most him Friday night so please God keep him in your prayers thank you

“this is really hard on me”

— A neighbor, Brown Square

340 likes · 179 comments

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The Wrap

Rochester's logo is getting a documentary. "City Mark: A Rochester Icon" traces the history of the city's iconic logo, from its creation 50 years ago to its place as a symbol of civic pride. It screened free at Sibley Square on Monday to kick off ROC Startup Week. Happy birthday to a very recognizable mark.

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Every source in this edition17 links · 8 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. RochesterFirstrochesterfirst.com
  3. Democrat and Chronicledemocratandchronicle.com
  4. WXXI Newswxxinews.org
  5. RochesterFirstrochesterfirst.com
  6. 13WHAM-TV13wham.com
  7. Democrat and Chronicledemocratandchronicle.com
  8. RochesterFirstrochesterfirst.com
  9. WXXI Newswxxinews.org
  10. WHEC.comwhec.com
  11. 13WHAM-TV13wham.com
  12. 13WHAM-TV13wham.com
  13. WHEC.comwhec.com
  14. Rochester Business Journalrbj.net
  15. WHEC.comwhec.com
  16. RochesterFirstrochesterfirst.com
  17. Rochester events calendarrochestermorning.com

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Rochester Morning Newsto me · Tues., Nov. 36:00 a.m.

NY's unemployment system is down for up to 12 days, and HEAP is open

Plus, Monroe County set an early-voting record ahead of today's Election Day.

The TLDR

  1. NY's unemployment system is offline for nine to 12 days
  2. HEAP heating aid is open; families of four earning up to $82,000 may qualify
  3. Monroe County set an early-voting record of 95,929 voters
Read this edition

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