I went through something similar last year. The key thing is to be completely honest when you file your claim and during any interviews. Don't try to hide the no call no show - they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer. Focus on documenting the toxic work environment as much as possible. Even without medical records for the panic attacks, if you have any text messages, emails, or coworkers who witnessed the hostile conditions, gather all of that. I also recommend looking into whether your state has any mental health resources that might help you get documentation retroactively. The process isn't fun, but you might be surprised - sometimes employers don't fight unemployment claims as hard as you'd expect, especially if they know their workplace had issues.

I'm in a similar boat right now and just wanted to share what I've learned from talking to others who've been through this. The no call no show definitely complicates things, but it's not an automatic disqualification like some people think. When you file, they'll ask you to explain why you left your job - be honest about the panic attacks and toxic environment, but also acknowledge that you handled it poorly by not communicating. NYS DOL seems to care more about whether you had legitimate reasons for your actions rather than whether you followed proper procedures. I'd also suggest starting to document everything you can remember about the toxic workplace now while it's fresh - dates, specific incidents, any witnesses. Even if you don't have medical records for the panic attacks, a detailed timeline of what was happening at work that led to your mental health issues could help your case. The worst they can do is say no, and then you can appeal with more evidence.

I went through this exact situation last year when I got laid off from my finance job making similar money. You'll definitely qualify for the maximum $504/week since your income is well above the threshold. One thing to keep in mind though - the 26 weeks can go by faster than you think, especially in tech where the interview process can take months. I'd recommend applying for jobs immediately even if you think you might get called back, because the job market is pretty competitive right now. Also, make sure you understand the work search requirements from day one - they're pretty strict about the 3 job contacts per week and they do audit people.

Just went through this exact scenario at my last job. With your income level, you'll definitely get the maximum $504/week for 26 weeks. One thing I wish someone had told me - start documenting everything NOW before any layoffs happen. Keep records of your pay stubs, employment start date, and any communications about potential layoffs. NYS DOL will ask for all this when you file. Also, if you do get severance, you can still file your unemployment claim right away, just report the severance during your weekly certifications. The process will go much smoother if you have all your documentation ready to go. And seriously, don't underestimate how long tech job searches can take - I'd start networking and updating your resume even before anything official happens.

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.