my cousin said he got a tax break on unemployment last year but maybe he was talking about something else???

Thanks everyone for clearing this up! I'm definitely going to adjust my expectations for my tax return. I had about 4 months of unemployment last year and had the 10% withholding, but I'll set aside some extra money just in case that wasn't enough. Really appreciate all the information!

Something kinda related - my friend wasn't vaccinated but got laid off for "budget cuts" even though they only laid off unvaccinated people. She got unemployment no problem because on paper it was a layoff not a firing for cause. Just mentioning in case that helps someone.

UPDATE FOR 2025: The most recent NYSDOL guidance on this issue states that vaccine mandate terminations are evaluated case-by-case. Key factors include: • Whether the mandate was clearly communicated • Whether it was uniformly enforced • Whether exemption requests were properly evaluated • Whether the mandate was reasonably related to job duties Healthcare workers face a higher bar for unemployment eligibility in these cases because patient safety is considered a paramount concern, but it's not impossible. Document everything, apply promptly, and be prepared to appeal if necessary.

Thanks everyone for the clear answers! I'm going to certify today just to be safe. Good to know about the phone option too as a backup.

did anyone else get that weird error right after certifying this week? mine showed some technical message but the confirmation email came through

Update on my situation - I went back to work yesterday and it was honestly a nightmare. No masks, people coughing, windows closed. I documented everything and took pictures. Going to my doctor tomorrow to see if I can get a note saying this environment is unsafe with my asthma. Will update on whether it works for unemployment purposes.

After reading through this thread, I want to clarify a few important points about NY unemployment and work refusal in 2025: 1. General COVID concerns are not considered good cause to refuse work under current regulations 2. However, specific, documented health conditions that make a particular workplace unsafe for YOU may qualify for accommodation 3. The process is: - Get medical documentation of your specific health concerns - Request formal accommodation from employer through ADA process - If accommodation is unreasonably denied, THEN you may have grounds to refuse while preserving benefits - Document all communications in writing 4. If you refuse work without following this process, benefits will likely be cut off immediately 5. Appeals are possible but can take 8-12 weeks during which you'll receive no benefits Don't make decisions based on what worked in 2020-2022 - the rules have changed significantly.

Quick update: NYSDOL just announced they're extending their phone hours starting next Monday. They'll be operating from 7:30am to 6:00pm instead of 8:00am to 5:00pm. That might help more people get through. Also, definitely consider contacting your local Assembly member's office as suggested above - they have direct channels to unemployment staff.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through? I know how stressful this can be when you're waiting on benefits or need to make an important update.