


Ask the community...
Just make sure you keep detailed records of EVERYTHING if you do apply. NYS Department of Labor will ask for proof of your work search efforts, documentation of your reduced hours, and records of all income including freelance payments. I learned this the hard way when they requested an audit of my claim six months later.
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask this exact question! Their phone lines are always busy and when I finally got through, I was on hold for 2 hours. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call myself.
Wait I'm confused about something similar - if I'm working 35 hours a week but making way less than my old job, do I still qualify for anything? I thought unemployment was only if you're completely out of work.
honestly the unemployment system is so broken. they make it nearly impossible to get benefits even when you have legitimate reasons for quitting. good luck dealing with NYS Department of Labor bureaucracy
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to discuss your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I needed to explain my complicated quit situation to someone who could give me real guidance.
The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing about this stuff. I called their customer service line like 15 times trying to get through to ask about filing deadlines and could never reach anyone. If you're having trouble getting through to them directly, I actually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me connect with an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.
Lauren Wood
Just to add some practical info - when you do file, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. Having all that info organized will make the filing process much faster. And remember you'll need to file weekly claims every week after your initial application to keep getting benefits.
0 coins
Ellie Lopez
This whole timing thing stressed me out so much when I got laid off! I filed on a Thursday and spent the whole weekend worrying I should have waited until Monday or something. Turns out it doesn't matter what day of the week you file, just that you file as soon as you can. NYS Department of Labor processes everything and your benefit week will start from the appropriate Sunday regardless.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Thanks, that makes me feel better. I was worried about filing today since it's mid-week.
0 coins