Just wanted to add that timing matters too when you're thinking about filing. If you're still in that 6-week probationary period and things aren't working out, you might want to consider whether leaving would be considered "good cause" versus being terminated. NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between quitting for good cause (like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties, etc.) and just quitting because the job isn't a good fit. If you're terminated during probation through no fault of your own, that's usually fine for unemployment eligibility. But if you quit just because it's not working out, that could complicate things even if you meet all the wage requirements everyone mentioned.

I've been through a similar situation where I wasn't sure about my eligibility after starting a new job. What really helped me was calling the NYS Department of Labor directly to go over my specific work history and wage credits. They can tell you exactly where you stand based on your individual circumstances. The representatives are usually pretty helpful once you get through - though I know that can be the challenging part! They can also explain how your previous employment would factor into the base period calculation, which varies depending on when exactly you file. It's worth having that conversation before you make any decisions about the job, especially since you're still in the probationary period where things could go either way.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I literally just went through this process last month! My benefit year expired in late October and I was panicking about reapplying. After reading through similar threads and gathering all my documents, I applied online on a Monday morning (great tip from this community!) and got approved in about 3 weeks. A couple things that really helped me: • I created a detailed spreadsheet with ALL my job applications - company names, dates, contact info, position titles. They definitely asked for specifics during the phone interview • Had my W-2s and pay stubs from the past 18 months organized and ready (even though I didn't need to upload them, having them handy made answering questions much easier) • Applied at 8 AM on Monday when the system was most stable - no timeouts or crashes My new weekly benefit amount ended up being about $15 less than my previous claim, but honestly I was just relieved to get approved. The process is definitely nerve-wracking but totally doable if you're prepared. One surprise - they called me about 10 days after I applied to verify some employment details, so make sure to answer unknown numbers during business hours! The whole call took maybe 15 minutes. Hope this helps others going through the same situation. The system is slow and frustrating but it does work! Keep your chin up @Omar Fawzi - you've got this! 💪

I just went through this exact process about 6 weeks ago and wanted to share some tips that really helped me! Yes, you can absolutely reapply right after your benefit year ends - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Here's what worked for me: • Applied online at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday (early morning really does help avoid system crashes) • Had a folder ready with all employment info from the past 2 years - dates, wages, employer contact details • Created a simple Excel sheet tracking every job application with company name, position, date applied, and contact info • Made sure to answer my phone during business hours - they called me after about 2 weeks to verify some details The whole process took about 3.5 weeks from application to first payment. My new weekly amount was actually $23 higher than my previous claim because I had worked some overtime during my base period. One thing that surprised me - they were really thorough about verifying my job search efforts, so definitely keep detailed records of everywhere you've applied. They asked for specific company names and dates during my phone interview. The waiting period is stressful but hang in there! The system works, it's just slow. Make sure to keep certifying weekly even while your application is being processed. You've got this! 💪

Just make sure you keep really good records of everything. I learned that the hard way when they audited my claim six months later and wanted to see all my business expenses and client contracts.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when my freelance writing business took a hit. For the application, I used my business name as the employer since I operated as an LLC. The most important thing is consistency - whatever you put on your Schedule C for net earnings, use that same figure. Don't overthink the wage section, just break down your annual net income into weekly amounts. One tip: when they ask about "reason for unemployment," I put "lack of work/clients" rather than trying to explain the whole business situation. The system understood that better. Also, be prepared for them to ask for your business license or EIN documentation if you have one. Good luck!

I went through a business closure situation about 18 months ago and wanted to share what I learned. The key thing is to file your claim as soon as possible after you get notice of the closure - don't wait until your last day of work. NYS Department of Labor can process your claim faster if you get it in early. Also, if your employer gives you any severance pay, that might delay when your benefits start, so factor that into your timing. The unemployment insurance system really does work as designed for business closures - it's probably one of the most straightforward scenarios they handle.

Just want to add some reassurance from another perspective - I work in HR and have helped employees through several business closures over the years. The unemployment system is actually very well designed for exactly this scenario. Your employer has been paying quarterly unemployment insurance taxes based on your wages for as long as you've worked there, so those funds are already secured in the state trust fund regardless of what happens to the company financially. The NYS Department of Labor processes business closure claims routinely - they see it as one of the clearest cases for benefit eligibility since it's obviously not the employee's fault. Make sure to keep any documentation about the closure (emails, notices, etc.) just in case, but in my experience these claims get approved smoothly. The main thing is don't delay filing once your separation date is set.

I'm going through something similar right now with my catering business. One thing I learned is that you also need to notify NYS Department of Labor about your business closure through their online system - there's a specific form for ceasing operations. Also, make sure you keep all your payroll records for at least 4 years even after closing, because they might audit or request documentation later. The employees' unemployment claims could trigger questions about wages paid, so having those records accessible is crucial.

I'm sorry to hear about your business closure, Ravi. As someone who went through a similar situation with my small manufacturing company last year, I can confirm what others have said - you definitely need to stay on top of the NYS Department of Labor requirements even after closing. One thing I'd add is to also consider sending your former employees a brief letter or email letting them know about their unemployment eligibility and providing them with the NYS DOL website and phone number. When I closed my business, I found that being proactive about helping my employees understand their options actually made the whole process smoother for everyone involved. Also, don't forget to cancel your workers' compensation policy once you've handled all the unemployment obligations - that's another cost you can eliminate once everything is properly closed out.