This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm a new member here and just ran into this exact same issue today. I've been working part-time at a local clinic doing data entry, about 16-20 hours per week for the past month, and when I went to file my weekly claim this morning the system suddenly wants me to explain why I'm "no longer working" there. I literally have shifts scheduled for the rest of this week! I was completely panicking thinking I had somehow messed up my previous certifications, but reading through everyone's experiences here shows this is clearly a widespread system bug that affects anyone with variable part-time hours. It's honestly pretty shocking that NY hasn't fixed such a basic issue that impacts so many legitimate claimants. Based on all the advice here, I'm going to re-enter my employer information and select "Other" with "Still employed part-time" as the explanation. I'll also try calling to get it documented on my account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's such a relief to know this is a known glitch and not something I did wrong! This community is amazing for helping navigate these frustrating government systems.

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating glitch right now! I've been working part-time at a local pharmacy (usually 12-16 hours per week) for about 6 weeks, and today when I went to file my weekly certification, the system suddenly wants me to provide employer information again and explain why I'm "no longer working" there. I'm literally working there tomorrow! This thread has been such a lifesaver - I was starting to panic thinking I had somehow messed up my previous filings or that there was an issue with my employer's reporting. It's both reassuring and infuriating to see that this is clearly a widespread system bug affecting anyone with variable part-time schedules. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to re-enter my employer info and select "Other" with "Still employed part-time" as the explanation. I'll also try calling to get it documented on my account like others have suggested. It's honestly ridiculous that the NY unemployment system can't handle basic part-time work scenarios that are super common nowadays, but at least this community is helping us all figure out the workarounds! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - you're all helping fellow New Yorkers navigate this broken system!

The whole system is frustrating honestly. Self-employed people pay taxes but can't get the same safety net as regular employees. At least now there's more gig work that provides W-2s so maybe that helps with future eligibility.

Just wanted to add that if you do qualify based on W-2 wages, you'll still need to be available and actively seeking work to maintain eligibility. The tricky part with having your own business is that NYS DOL might consider you "not available for work" if you're still operating your consulting business, even if it's slow. You may need to show that you're genuinely looking for employee positions and not just waiting for consulting work to pick back up. It's worth discussing this specific situation with a DOL representative to understand how they handle cases where someone has both self-employment and employee work history.

Just went through this myself a few months ago! When my employer closed down suddenly, I was in the same boat - no W2s, couldn't get paystubs, the whole place just vanished. What ended up working for me was submitting a "document unavailable affidavit" along with whatever alternative proof I could gather. I wrote a sworn statement explaining that my employer shut down operations, included the business closure date if I could find it online, and listed every attempt I made to get the standard documents (calling old phone numbers, checking business registry websites, etc.). Then I attached my bank statements showing direct deposits, some old email exchanges with my manager about work stuff, and even a LinkedIn screenshot showing I had listed that company as my employer. The DOL case worker told me they see this situation ALL the time, especially with small businesses that close suddenly. As long as you submit SOMETHING by their deadline and can show the deposits in your bank account, you should be fine. The worst thing is not responding at all. You've got plenty of options based on what everyone else suggested too - definitely try multiple approaches!

Another option that helped me when I was in a similar spot - check if you have any old social media posts that mention your job! I found a Facebook post where I complained about having to work late at that company, and another one where I posted about getting the job initially. Screenshots of those posts with the timestamps visible actually helped establish my employment timeline. Also, if you ever used any company equipment or software, check if you have old login credentials saved in your browser or password manager - even something like a saved login for a company portal can show you had legitimate access as an employee. The more creative you get with gathering evidence, the stronger your case becomes!

I'm completely new to seasonal work and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just finished my first seasonal position at a local ski rental shop and had no idea that seasonal workers could even apply for unemployment benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me so much confidence to file my claim. The advice about keeping detailed job search records and being upfront about seasonal work patterns seems crucial. I'm especially grateful for learning about the $2,600 base period requirement - I need to calculate if my ski shop wages plus some summer work at a farmers market will meet that threshold. It's amazing to find a community that actually understands the unique challenges of seasonal employment instead of just assuming we should find "regular" jobs. Planning to file my application this week and feeling much more prepared thanks to all the practical advice shared here!

I'm completely new to seasonal work and just discovered this community through some online searching about unemployment benefits. I recently completed my first seasonal job working at a local pumpkin patch and corn maze that ran from September through November, and I honestly had no clue that seasonal workers could be eligible for unemployment benefits! This entire thread has been such a revelation - I was literally planning to just live off my savings until I could find another seasonal position in the spring. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences and success stories with NYS DOL has completely changed my perspective and given me the confidence to actually file a claim. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical advice about the $2,600 base period minimum, keeping detailed job search documentation, and being transparent about seasonal employment patterns. The fact that there's actually a system in place to support workers like us during transition periods is incredible. I'm planning to gather all my employment documents this weekend and file my first application early next week. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative community - it's amazing to find people who actually understand the realities of seasonal work instead of just suggesting we get "regular" jobs!

Mary, I'm really sorry to hear about your hour reduction - that financial stress is so real! I went through something similar when my retail job cut hours during a slow season. Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me: First, when you file your initial claim, have your last few pay stubs handy since they'll ask about your recent wages. Second, don't worry too much about the job search requirement while you're still employed part-time - you just need to show you're available and willing to accept full-time work if offered. The system is actually designed to help people in exactly your situation! Also, once you start receiving partial benefits, they'll come on the same schedule as regular unemployment (usually weekly), so you can plan your budget around that. The amount won't replace your full lost wages, but it definitely helps with rent and essentials. Everyone here has given you great advice - you're going to get through this! The hardest part is just taking that first step to file the claim, but you've got all the info you need now.

Mary, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - having your hours cut in half is so stressful! I actually just went through the partial unemployment process a few months ago when my hours got reduced at my job. The great news is that everyone here has given you excellent advice, and the process really isn't as complicated as it seems at first. One thing I'd add is to make sure you file your weekly certifications on time every week - I think you have to do it by a certain day or you could miss that week's payment. Also, keep copies of everything you submit, just in case there are any issues later. The partial benefits definitely won't replace your full income, but they really do help bridge the gap. In my experience, the NYS system worked pretty smoothly once I got my claim approved. The waiting is the hardest part, but you'll get through this! Business will probably pick back up eventually and hopefully your hours will be restored. In the meantime, those partial benefits will help keep you afloat. You've got this!