I'm going through the same thing right now - been in adjudication for about 10 days and it's nerve-wracking not knowing what's happening. The advice here about continuing to file weekly claims even during adjudication is really helpful, I almost made that mistake too. Has anyone had experience with how they notify you once the adjudication is complete? Do they send an email or do you just have to keep checking the portal?

I went through this exact same thing last month - the uncertainty is the worst part! In my case, adjudication took about 4 weeks total. What helped me was setting up notifications on my phone to check the portal every morning and evening so I wouldn't obsess over it throughout the day. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have all your employment documentation ready (pay stubs, separation letter, etc.) in case they request anything. The good news is that layoffs due to company downsizing are usually pretty straightforward cases, so you're likely just waiting in the queue rather than dealing with a complicated review.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their RESEA experiences in this thread! I'm completely new to unemployment benefits (just filed my claim two days ago after being laid off from my accounting position) and I was honestly having panic attacks about the RESEA appointment notification I received. Reading through all of these detailed, honest experiences has completely transformed my anxiety into actual preparation and even some optimism! The consistent advice about organizing work search records in a spreadsheet is something I'm implementing immediately, and hearing that the counselors are generally supportive and industry-aware rather than just trying to push any random job has been such a relief. As someone in finance/accounting, I was terrified they'd pressure me into unrelated roles, but it sounds like they actually provide valuable, tailored career guidance. This community is amazing - the peer support here is exactly what people need when navigating this process for the first time. I feel so much more prepared and confident now!

I'm brand new to this community and just filed my unemployment claim yesterday after being laid off from my nursing position at a local hospital. Like so many others here, I was absolutely terrified when I got the RESEA appointment notification - I actually called my sister in tears thinking they were going to interrogate me or cut off my benefits! But reading through this entire thread has been such a game-changer for my mental state. I went from pure panic to actually feeling prepared and even somewhat optimistic about getting career guidance. The spreadsheet tracking advice that everyone keeps mentioning is brilliant - I'm starting that today along with organizing all my work search documentation. What really stands out to me is how many people emphasize that the counselors genuinely want to help you succeed rather than just catch you in violations. As someone in healthcare who's looking to potentially transition into healthcare administration or case management, I'm hoping they'll have insights about leveraging my clinical experience for different types of roles. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences - this peer support has been exactly what I needed during such a stressful time!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - been trying to file for three days and getting nowhere. I had a claim back in 2022 and the website looks completely different now. Going to try the career counselor's step-by-step method first, then work through the browser/ad blocker suggestions. It's frustrating that something so essential requires this much detective work, but I'm grateful everyone shared their solutions. Will report back if I find any other workarounds!

I'm going through this same nightmare right now! Been laid off for a week and trying to file but can't find the option anywhere. This thread is already saving me so much time - I was starting to think I was losing my mind. Going to try the Vincent's method first (clearing cache, using My NY.gov dashboard route) and then work through the browser/ad blocker suggestions if that doesn't work. It's absolutely ridiculous that filing for unemployment requires a computer science degree these days! Thank you everyone for documenting all these workarounds. Will definitely update if I discover anything new in my quest to actually file a claim 🙄

To clarify the main points: You can travel while collecting unemployment as long as you remain able and available for work. For a short trip like a wedding, you don't need to notify NYS Department of Labor. Just be honest on your weekly certification about your availability. If you're only gone for 2-3 days and could have accepted work if offered, you should be fine to certify normally for that week.

I just wanted to add that I've been dealing with this same situation - I'm on unemployment and had to travel for a funeral last month. What I learned is that the key question on your weekly certification is whether you were "able and available for work" each day. If you're only gone for a weekend wedding and would have been able to accept a job offer if one came up, you can still answer "yes" to that question. The NYS Department of Labor cares more about your willingness and ability to work than your exact geographic location for short trips. Just don't try to claim benefits for days when you genuinely weren't available. Have a great time at your sister's wedding!

I'm new to this community but wanted to chime in since I recently went through something very similar. I was fired from my job at a restaurant for what they called "reliability issues" but it was really because I had to miss work when my elderly father was hospitalized unexpectedly. I was so worried about applying for unemployment because I thought being fired meant automatic disqualification. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening! It sounds like NYS Department of Labor really does look at the specific circumstances rather than just the fact that you were terminated. Everyone's advice about filing immediately, being honest, and keeping documentation is spot on. I ended up getting approved after about a month, even though my employer initially contested it. The hearing process was nerve-wracking but the officer was fair and understood that family medical emergencies aren't misconduct. Your car trouble situation definitely sounds like it falls into the same category of circumstances beyond your control. Don't let your employer's version of events discourage you - file that claim and fight for what you're entitled to!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add my perspective as someone who works in employment law. Reading through this thread, I'm really impressed by how much accurate information has been shared! Just to reinforce what others have said - car trouble causing attendance issues is typically NOT considered willful misconduct under NY unemployment law. The key legal standard is whether your actions were deliberate violations of your employer's reasonable expectations. Mechanical breakdowns are generally viewed as circumstances beyond your control. When you file your claim, focus on these key points: 1) The attendance issues were directly caused by unforeseeable car problems, 2) You weren't deliberately choosing to violate company policy, and 3) You have documentation showing the legitimate nature of the car trouble. Also, don't be intimidated if your employer contests - retail employers often do this automatically regardless of the merits of their case. The unemployment system in NY is actually designed to err on the side of helping workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. File your claim today and keep all that documentation handy!