The key thing is whether your employer can prove willful misconduct. NYS Department of Labor looks at factors like whether you knew the rule, whether you had prior warnings, and if your actions were intentional. A first-time policy violation rarely meets their threshold for disqualification unless it involved something serious like theft, violence, or illegal activity.

ugh the unemployment system is so frustrating when you're already stressed about losing your job. took them forever to decide my case too but I eventually got approved

I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact question when I was filing my claim. The phone lines are always jammed and the website doesn't really explain the funding clearly. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual agent who explained how the employer tax system works. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Way easier than spending hours on hold trying to get basic information.

my company had massive layoffs last year and our HR explained that their unemployment insurance rates went up because of it. kinda makes sense that the companies causing more claims pay more into the system

good luck with the system... been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and still nothing. the nys department of labor is a nightmare

Just went through this process myself last month. The whole thing took about 6 weeks from filing to getting my first payment. Had to deal with identity verification which added extra time. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week even if your initial claim is still pending - you can't go back and file late weeks.

The whole system is a joke honestly. They make you jump through hoops for benefits you already paid into through payroll taxes. And don't get me started on the job search requirements - you have to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records or they'll cut you off.

Just to clarify the timeline: Week 1 is your waiting period (no payment), then if approved you'll receive benefits starting week 2. Maximum benefit period is 26 weeks. Your weekly benefit amount depends on your previous earnings, with a maximum of $504 per week in 2025. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every Sunday and documenting your job search activities.

yeah you get paid but don't expect it to be much lol. i was making $18/hr and only got like $280 a week. better than nothing though and at least it's something while you look for another job. the whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started

Make sure you apply right away! The sooner you file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor, the sooner your benefits can start. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, it's better to apply and let them determine it rather than waiting. The application is all online now and much easier than it used to be.