Connor, I'm a recent grad from Purchase and dealt with this exact situation about 6 months ago! The unemployment eligibility requirements are definitely harsh for new grads. One resource that hasn't been mentioned yet is reaching out to your local library's career center - many have dedicated career counselors who can help with resume reviews, interview prep, and connecting you to local job resources you might not find online. Also, check if SUNY Albany has any recent graduate emergency funds or hardship assistance - some campuses have small grants available for alumni facing financial difficulties during job transitions. In the meantime, consider signing up for multiple gig economy apps (Instacart, TaskRabbit, etc.) to generate some income while you search for full-time work. Don't forget to document all your job search activities in detail - when you do land a job and potentially face unemployment later, having that record will be valuable. The struggle is real but temporary - you've got a solid degree and the determination to figure this out. Keep pushing forward!

Connor, as someone who graduated from college about a year and a half ago and faced the exact same unemployment eligibility confusion, I really feel for what you're going through! The system definitely wasn't designed with new grads in mind. While you likely won't qualify for regular UI benefits without sufficient covered wages, I wanted to share a few things that made a real difference during my job search. First, definitely check with your county's Department of Social Services about emergency assistance programs - many have short-term help specifically for people actively job searching that I wish I'd known about sooner. Second, consider reaching out to local churches or community organizations even if you're not religious - many have job placement programs or emergency assistance funds that aren't widely advertised. Third, look into your area's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs - they often have connections to other local resources and assistance programs. Also, don't underestimate the power of directly emailing hiring managers or department heads at companies you're interested in, even if they don't have posted openings - I actually got several interviews this way that never would have happened through online applications. The financial stress with loans starting is overwhelming, but this phase really is temporary. Document everything you're doing and stay persistent - you're going to make it through this transition!

I'm a substitute teacher in Long Island and went through this exact process about 8 months ago! Everyone here is absolutely right - substitute teachers ARE eligible for unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor. The confusion comes from people not understanding that we're completely different from contracted teachers. I was nervous about applying at first because I kept hearing "teachers can't get unemployment," but that rule only applies to teachers with contracts and reasonable assurance of future work. As subs, we have neither! My application was approved after about 4 weeks, and I collected benefits for 12 weeks while searching for more stable work. The key things that helped me: I documented EVERYTHING (screenshots of empty sub systems, emails to schools, job applications), was completely honest during my phone interview about looking for both substitute and non-education work, and made sure to file my weekly certifications on time. Don't let the horror stories about teacher unemployment claims scare you - your situation as a substitute is totally different and legitimate. You've been paying into the system, so use it when you need it!

I'm a substitute teacher in the Syracuse area and just wanted to jump in and share my recent experience with NYS Department of Labor! I applied for unemployment benefits about 2 months ago when my sub work completely disappeared, and I was approved without any major issues. Like everyone else has mentioned, the key is understanding that we substitutes don't have the "reasonable assurance" that regular contracted teachers have - that's what makes us eligible! What really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every day I was available to work but didn't get called, plus screenshots of the district's substitute management system showing no available positions. During my phone interview, the representative was actually very understanding about the unpredictable nature of substitute work. She asked about my job search efforts and I explained that I was applying for both substitute positions at different districts and other types of work. The whole process from application to first payment took about 5 weeks. One thing I learned that might help others - you can also count things like updating your substitute teacher profiles, contacting different districts to get on their sub lists, and even attending job fairs as valid job search activities. Don't let the general "teachers can't get unemployment" rule discourage you - it simply doesn't apply to us! Apply with confidence!

by definition adjudication means they're deciding if you qualify, could be anything really. mine was because my employer said i quit but i was actually laid off. took forever to sort out

Adjudication by definition means NYS Department of Labor is reviewing specific aspects of your claim that need clarification before they can approve benefits. In your case, since you mentioned your hours were drastically cut, they're likely verifying this constitutes "good cause" for leaving your job, which would make you eligible for benefits. The process involves contacting your former employer to confirm the circumstances of your separation. While frustrating, this is actually a good sign - they're not denying your claim outright, just ensuring you meet eligibility requirements. Keep documenting your job search activities and filing weekly claims as others mentioned, since you'll receive retroactive payments if approved.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Got locked out yesterday after switching phones last week and completely forgetting about the Google Authenticator transfer. It's so frustrating that they don't make it more obvious how critical it is to properly move your authenticator when you get a new device. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially the detailed step-by-step guides from people who actually got through. I'm definitely going to try calling 844-891-1786 at 7:28am tomorrow with all my info ready. In the meantime, I'll use the phone certification system so I don't miss this week's payment. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions! This community is a lifesaver when dealing with NY unemployment's technical nightmares 🙏

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in the exact same situation - got a new phone about 3 weeks ago and completely forgot about transferring Google Authenticator until I tried to log in yesterday. The 844-891-1786 number and all the detailed calling strategies people have shared are pure gold. I'm setting my alarm for 7:25am tomorrow to try the 7:28am calling trick. Already have all my info gathered - claim start date, weekly benefit amount, confirmation letter, the works. It's crazy how common this issue is yet they don't warn you anywhere about properly transferring your authenticator app. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their step-by-step solutions! Definitely gives me hope after two days of frustration. Will update tomorrow if I get through! 🤞

One thing to keep in mind is that some states have reciprocal agreements that make the transition smoother. When you get to your new state, you might want to register with their workforce development office too - not to file a new claim, but to access local job search resources and networking events. This can help you stay competitive in the job market while you're collecting from NYS. Also, make sure you understand the tax implications since you'll be living in a different state than where your benefits are coming from.

I've been through a similar situation and want to add that you should also check if your new state has any waiting periods or requirements for establishing residency that might affect your job search. Some states require you to be a resident for a certain period before you can access certain employment services. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities in the new state - dates, company names, positions applied for, etc. NYS Department of Labor may ask for this documentation during audits, and having everything organized will save you headaches later. The $420 weekly benefit is definitely worth protecting during your transition!