I'm dealing with a similar discharge situation right now and this thread is super helpful! Just wanted to add that when you file online, the NYS Department of Labor system will walk you through different scenarios and ask specific questions about why your employment ended. They don't just give you a simple "fired" vs "discharged" dropdown - they'll ask things like "Were you told your performance was unsatisfactory?" or "Did you violate company policy?" So even though the terminology might seem confusing, the actual filing process is designed to capture the real circumstances. I'd recommend having your termination paperwork handy when you start the application so you can reference the exact reasons they gave you.

Just went through this exact same thing a few months ago! "Discharge" definitely threw me off at first too - it sounds so formal and scary. But yeah, it's literally just the official term NYS Department of Labor uses for "fired" or "terminated." The important thing isn't the word they use, but the reason behind it. Since your paperwork says "attendance issues," that could go either way depending on the specifics. Were these unexcused absences or did you have legitimate reasons like medical appointments, family emergencies, etc.? If you had valid reasons and documentation, that works in your favor. The DOL will do their own investigation and contact both you and your employer to get the full story. Don't stress too much about the terminology - focus on gathering your evidence and being completely honest when you file. Even if there's an initial denial, you can always appeal with additional documentation.

I'm new to this community and currently dealing with the same anxiety! I've been on unemployment for just about a month now and this is actually my first time experiencing a payment delay. Usually my deposit from NYS DOL shows up in my checking account around 8 AM on Tuesday mornings, but it's now almost 6 PM and still nothing. Reading through everyone's responses has been incredibly reassuring though - I had no idea that banking processing delays were this common or that so many factors could affect when the money actually hits your account. I just logged into my NYS DOL account and thankfully it shows "Payment Released" for today, so it sounds like I just need to be patient and wait for my bank (TD Bank) to process it. The stress of waiting for these payments when you're already dealing with unemployment is really intense, but this community has been amazing for helping me understand what's actually normal versus when I should start worrying. Going to call my bank tomorrow to ask about their ACH processing schedule like some of you suggested - that's such a smart way to manage expectations!

I'm a newcomer to this community and dealing with unemployment benefits for the first time. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I had no idea there were so many variables that could affect payment timing - from NYS DOL's processing schedule to individual bank ACH batch times, federal holidays, system maintenance, etc. It's amazing how complex something that seems straightforward actually is. I love all the practical tips people have shared here: checking your NYS DOL payment history first, trying mobile banking apps before online banking, setting up text alerts for deposits, calling your bank directly to ask about their processing schedule, and knowing that waiting until Wednesday evening before panicking is normal. This community is such a lifesaver for newcomers who don't know what's normal versus when to actually worry. The anxiety of waiting for these payments when you're already stressed about unemployment is real, but having experienced folks share their knowledge makes this process so much more manageable. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative space!

Great advice from everyone here! I'd also recommend creating a backup system for your documentation. I keep both digital copies (Google Drive folder) and print out important stuff monthly just in case. One thing I learned the hard way - when you apply through job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, also grab a screenshot of the actual job posting itself, not just the confirmation page. Sometimes those postings get taken down and if DOL wants to verify the job actually existed, you'll have proof. Also, if you do phone inquiries, jot down the date, time, and who you spoke with (even if it's just a receptionist). Those count as job contacts too and it shows you're being proactive beyond just online applications.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that career counseling sessions and job search workshops also count as valid job search activities! Many local libraries and workforce development centers offer free workshops on resume writing, interview skills, or networking. I've attended several and they not only count toward your weekly requirement but actually help improve your search strategy. Make sure to get some kind of proof you attended - a certificate, sign-in sheet, or even just the event flyer with your notes on it. Also, if you're in a specific field, professional association meetings or industry events can count too. It's a good way to network while meeting your job search requirements.

I'm so sorry you're going through this frustrating experience, Ella! The A02 denial code is definitely one of the most confusing aspects of the NY unemployment system. Based on your timeline (starting work in March 2024 and filing after being laid off in November), you're almost certainly dealing with the base period wage calculation issue that others have explained so well here. The good news is that this is exactly the type of situation the alternate base period was designed to address! I'd strongly recommend following the comprehensive advice in this thread - request that wage transcript to verify all your earnings were reported correctly, file your written appeal within 30 days with specific language requesting alternate base period consideration, and don't hesitate to use that direct claims center phone number (1-888-209-8124) for follow-up. What really stands out to me is that you worked steadily for 8 months and were laid off (not fired for cause), which puts you in a strong position once they apply the correct wage calculation. This initial denial definitely doesn't mean you're not eligible - it just means they need to look at your case using the right time frame. Stay persistent and document everything - so many people in similar situations have successfully gotten approved on appeal!

Ella, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As someone who went through a very similar A02 denial last year, I can tell you that this thread contains absolutely golden advice that would have saved me weeks of confusion. Your timeline (March to November 2024) is almost identical to what I experienced, and the alternate base period option was exactly what got my case approved on appeal. One thing I'd add that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet showing my wages by quarter under both the standard and alternate base period calculations - it made it crystal clear why the alternate method worked better for my situation. Also, when you request that wage transcript, pay close attention to make sure all your quarterly wages are accurately reflected. In my case, there was a delay in reporting from my employer that initially made it look like I had lower wages than I actually earned. The appeals process took about 6-8 weeks for me, but I eventually got approved and received all the back payments. Don't let this initial denial discourage you - you have a really strong case once they apply the correct calculation method! Follow the excellent step-by-step advice in this thread and stay persistent. You've got this!

I'm currently going through a similar situation with NYS Department of Labor after being terminated for "performance issues" that were really related to my transportation problems. From what I've learned so far, the key is to file your claim right away even if your employer is contesting it. During my research, I found that NYS uses a pretty specific definition of misconduct - it has to be willful and deliberate violation of company policy, not just struggling with circumstances beyond your control. Childcare issues that you communicated about definitely don't sound like willful misconduct. I'm still waiting for my phone interview but the representatives I've spoken with have been encouraging about cases like ours where there were legitimate external factors involved.

I went through something very similar with NYS Department of Labor last year. I was terminated for "attendance issues" after missing work due to my child getting sick repeatedly. The employer made it sound like I'd never get benefits, but that wasn't true at all. The adjudication process took about 5 weeks, and they approved my claim because I had documentation showing I tried to communicate with my supervisor and follow proper procedures for calling out. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I filed immediately despite the employer's threats, 2) I kept records of all my communications with management about the absences, and 3) during the phone interview I clearly explained the circumstances and how I attempted to be responsible about the situation. NYS Department of Labor really does look at whether your actions were willful misconduct versus dealing with legitimate life circumstances. Don't let your former employer intimidate you into not filing - you have every right to apply and let the state make the determination.