I'm going through something similar right now! I was laid off in January and have been collecting benefits while job searching. Reading all these responses is so reassuring - I had no idea that employers can't access unemployment records. I've been debating whether to mention it during interviews when they ask about my employment gap, but it sounds like I can just focus on explaining that I was laid off and am looking for the right opportunity. It's wild how much mental energy we spend worrying about things that employers probably don't even think twice about. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is exactly what I needed to see today!

I'm a career counselor and see this anxiety all the time with my clients. What you're experiencing is completely normal, but here's the thing - you've actually handled this situation perfectly. You were laid off (not fired for cause), you used the unemployment system as intended while actively job searching, and now you're interviewing for new positions. That's exactly how it's supposed to work! The stigma around unemployment benefits is largely self-imposed. Most hiring managers have either been laid off themselves or know plenty of people who have. In today's economy, layoffs are seen as business decisions, not reflections of individual performance. Focus on telling your story confidently - you took time to find the right opportunity rather than settling for just anything. That actually demonstrates good judgment and self-awareness, qualities employers value.

I'm facing this exact situation too! My 7-month contract with a healthcare consulting firm ends in 3 weeks and they just told me yesterday they can't renew due to "organizational changes." Reading through all these experiences has been so incredibly helpful - I was really stressed about the unemployment process but everyone's success stories are giving me hope. I've been taking notes on all the advice here and already started gathering my documentation: original contract, the non-renewal notification email, quarterly performance reviews, and even some Teams messages where my supervisor mentioned wanting to keep me but not having budget approval. One question I haven't seen addressed - did anyone have issues if their contract was through a staffing agency rather than directly with the end client? My contract is technically with the staffing agency who placed me at the healthcare company, so I'm wondering if that adds any complications to the unemployment application. The staffing agency confirmed they have no other positions available for me right now. Planning to file on my last day and really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and tips!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - my 11-month contract with a financial services company ends in 10 days and they just confirmed no renewal due to "budget constraints." This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I was really panicking about whether I'd be eligible for unemployment benefits, but reading everyone's successful experiences here has given me so much relief. Based on all the great advice shared, I've already started organizing my documentation: original contract with the renewal option clause, all my performance reviews (thankfully all positive), the official email about non-renewal, and even some internal messages where my team lead mentioned being disappointed they couldn't extend my position. I'm planning to file my claim on my very last day of work and have already started preparing my job search activity log. One thing I wanted to ask - for those who mentioned the 2-3 week timeline from filing to first payment, did you have to do anything special during that waiting period, or is it mostly just waiting for the adjudication process to complete? Thanks so much to everyone who shared their experiences - this community support makes such a stressful situation feel much more manageable!

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share some practical advice. First, the 8-year tenure you mentioned actually works in your favor - it shows you're not someone who quits impulsively. For the restructuring issue, try to find any documentation about your original job duties (offer letter, employee handbook, past performance reviews) and compare it to what you're being asked to do now. The dramatic increase in responsibilities without compensation could qualify as constructive dismissal. When documenting, be strategic - send professional emails to HR about "concerns regarding workload sustainability and job scope changes following the restructure" rather than emotional complaints about your manager. This creates a paper trail while keeping things professional. Also, before quitting, try asking HR about internal transfer opportunities or if there are any voluntary separation packages available post-restructure. Sometimes companies prefer avoiding potential constructive dismissal claims. If you do end up filing for unemployment after quitting, be prepared for an initial denial and appeals process that could take months. Having a financial cushion for that period is crucial. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is notoriously difficult, but don't give up - persistence often pays off in these cases.

I've been through a very similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. The key is understanding that NYS Department of Labor defines "good cause" pretty narrowly - it's not enough to just be unhappy or overworked. However, your situation with doing three people's jobs after a restructure without additional compensation could potentially qualify as constructive dismissal. Start documenting everything NOW - send professional emails to HR about your concerns regarding the unsustainable workload and hostile work environment. Even if they don't respond, it creates a crucial paper trail. Keep your original job description and compare it to what you're doing now to show how dramatically your role has changed. Also, try to exhaust internal remedies first - ask about transfers, speak to your manager's supervisor, or inquire about voluntary separation packages. The appeals process can take months and you likely won't receive benefits during that time, so plan financially accordingly. If you need to contact NYS Department of Labor during this process, their phone system is terrible - you might want to look into services like Claimyr that help you actually get through to a real person. Your 8-year tenure actually helps your case since it shows you're not someone who quits lightly.

same thing happened to my sister but with back surgery. she was out for 3 months and couldn't get unemployment until she was cleared to work again. definitely look into disability benefits first

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - waiting for hip replacement surgery and my employer already told me they can't guarantee my job will be there when I get back. From what I've learned talking to others, the timing is really important here. You'll want to apply for short-term disability benefits first if your employer offers them, or look into New York State Disability Benefits if you've been paying into that. Once your doctor clears you to return to work, THEN you can file for unemployment if you don't have a job to go back to. The key is having that medical clearance - without it, NYS Department of Labor will consider you unable to work and therefore ineligible. It's frustrating but the system treats medical inability to work differently than involuntary job loss. Make sure to keep all your medical documentation organized for when you're ready to file.

Reading through this entire thread as someone who just started collecting unemployment last week has been incredibly educational! I had no idea that so many factors could affect payment timing - from first-time income reporting to banking system delays to NYSDOL maintenance issues. @Norman Fraser, I'm so glad your payment came through and that you shared your whole experience! It really shows how this community can help people stay calm and understand what's actually happening instead of just panicking. The explanation about income reporting delays is something I definitely need to remember since I'm planning to look for part-time work soon. What strikes me most is how much practical knowledge everyone here has that you just can't find in the official NYSDOL resources. Things like understanding what "PROCESSED" actually means, knowing that ACH delays happen, and recognizing when system maintenance might be affecting payments - this is all real-world wisdom that makes navigating unemployment so much less stressful. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and advice. This thread should honestly be pinned as a reference for anyone dealing with NY unemployment payment delays!

This thread has been an absolute lifesaver! I just started my first unemployment claim in NY three days ago and have been obsessively checking my account status and bank account, not really understanding how the process works. Reading through Norman's experience and everyone's explanations has given me such a better understanding of what to expect. The breakdown of what "PROCESSED" actually means versus when money hits your account is incredibly helpful - I had no idea there could be legitimate delays even after NYSDOL releases the payment. And the information about income reporting delays is something I'll definitely keep in mind since I'm already looking at some freelance opportunities. What really stands out to me is how this community provides the kind of practical, real-world knowledge that you just can't get from the official NYSDOL website or phone system. Things like ACH processing delays, system maintenance impacts, and first-time income reporting quirks - this is all stuff that would have caused me unnecessary panic without this context. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and helped Norman (and the rest of us newcomers) understand the system better. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with unemployment so much less overwhelming!