I work in HR and deal with these situations regularly. The confusion here is understandable because there are actually multiple programs that might apply depending on your specific circumstances. While you're correct that traditional unemployment benefits likely won't work due to the "able and available" requirement, New York has several other options worth exploring: 1. **Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)** - If your medical leave qualifies, this provides partial wage replacement 2. **Paid Family Leave (PFL)** - If caring for a family member or bonding with a new child 3. **Workers' Compensation** - If your medical condition is work-related The key is determining which program fits your situation. I'd recommend calling the NYS Department of Labor's Disability Benefits line specifically (not the general UI line) as they can walk you through eligibility for these alternative programs. You can also check if your employer offers any supplemental disability benefits through their insurance carrier. Don't give up - there are likely options available, just not traditional unemployment benefits.

I was in a very similar situation about 8 months ago - unpaid medical leave with a guaranteed return position. After going through all the confusion and dead ends with regular UI, I ended up applying for TDI (Temporary Disability Insurance) and it was a lifesaver. The process was much smoother than I expected once I got connected to the right department. You'll need documentation from your doctor, but if your medical condition is what's preventing you from working, TDI is designed exactly for this scenario. The payments aren't as much as unemployment would be, but it's something to help cover expenses during your recovery. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you - the disability benefits staff were actually really helpful walking me through everything once I reached them.

ugh the whole system is so confusing for students. why can't they just have clear guidelines posted somewhere instead of making us guess

Maya, you should definitely apply! As a student, you can absolutely qualify for unemployment in NY as long as you meet the work history requirements (which sounds like you do with 8 months of work) and can show you're available for work that fits your schedule. The key things to remember: 1) You need to actively search for jobs that work around your class times, 2) Keep detailed records of your job applications, and 3) Be honest about your availability when you file. Since you were working 25 hours/week while in school, that shows you can balance both. Don't let your student status discourage you from applying - it's about availability for work, not whether you're in school.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and this entire thread has been such a relief to find! I was starting to panic thinking I was missing something obvious, but clearly this employer registration number is just really well hidden. After reading through everyone's experiences, I'm going to start my search with my W-2 Box 15, then check any old paystubs for terms like "SUI#" or "ER UI Acct." It's honestly wild that something so important for unemployment filing can be labeled in so many different ways and scattered across random documents. The fact that NYS DOL doesn't provide any guidance on what this number is or where to find it just adds unnecessary stress to an already overwhelming process. Thanks to everyone who shared their detective work - you've basically created the comprehensive guide that should have existed from day one!

I'm going through this exact same frustrating situation right now! Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea this number could be hiding in so many different places with so many different names. I just wanted to add one more potential source that might help others: if you have any employee ID cards or badges from your workplace, sometimes the employer's registration information is printed in tiny text on the back or included in any accompanying paperwork when you first got your ID. Also, if your company uses any employee apps for scheduling, time tracking, or internal communications, the employer details section sometimes includes tax ID and unemployment account information. I know it's absolutely ridiculous that we have to hunt through every possible document just to file for unemployment benefits, but this community has been amazing at sharing all these creative solutions. Going to start with the W-2 Box 15 approach and work my way through all the suggestions - thanks everyone for making this feel less impossible!

Just went through this process myself! NY does backdate to your last day of work BUT only if you can prove when you lost your job and have a valid reason for the delay in filing. I had a 10-day gap between losing my job and filing my claim, and they approved the full backpay after I submitted my termination email and explained I was trying to figure out the process first. Don't stress too much - just gather your documentation (last paystub, termination notice, even emails work) and be honest about why there was a delay when you talk to them. The key is filing ASAP from now and being prepared to explain the gap.

The backdating policy can be confusing but here's what I learned from my experience: NY will backdate to your actual separation date IF you can document it properly. The key things that helped me get approved were: 1) Having my final paycheck stub showing the last pay period, 2) A clear explanation that I was gathering info before filing (they understand people need time to research), and 3) Filing as soon as I understood the process. Don't let anyone scare you about losing weeks - just make sure you have some kind of documentation of your last day and a reasonable explanation for any delay. The worst thing you can do is wait even longer to file!

I just had my phone interview last week and wanted to share what really helped me prepare! Beyond all the great advice here about job separation and search activities, they also asked me about my wage history - specifically my earnings in the base period they used to calculate my benefits. Make sure you have your pay stubs or tax documents handy because they might ask you to verify the amounts they have on file. They also asked if I had any dependents and whether my spouse was working (this can affect benefit calculations). One thing that surprised me was they asked about my education level and any professional licenses or certifications I have - I think they use this info to understand what types of jobs you're qualified for. The interviewer was really thorough but not at all aggressive about it. They even thanked me at the end for being prepared and cooperative! The key is just having all your employment and financial info organized beforehand. Don't worry too much - it sounds way scarier than it actually is. Most of us here got through it just fine and you will too!

I went through this exact same process about 4 months ago and I totally understand the anxiety! One thing that really helped me was practicing out loud beforehand - I actually rehearsed explaining why I left my job and my job search activities to myself a few times so I wouldn't stumble over my words during the actual call. They asked me pretty standard questions about my separation (was it voluntary, any misconduct, final day of work), my availability to work full-time, and what I've been doing to look for jobs. They also verified my contact information and asked about any other income I might have. The interviewer was actually quite friendly and professional - not intimidating at all. One tip: they called exactly at the scheduled time, so make sure you're ready and in a quiet place with good phone reception. The whole thing took about 30 minutes and I got approved about 10 days later. You've got this - just be honest and don't overthink it!