mine is next week too! so nervous about it. did you get the packet of documents from your employer yet? they're supposed to send you copies of everything they plan to use

Just went through this process two months ago and won my appeal! A few practical tips: 1) Write down your key points beforehand and stick to them - don't let the employer's accusations throw you off track. 2) If you have any witnesses (coworkers who can verify the safety issues), make sure they're available during the hearing time. 3) The judge will ask you directly about the circumstances of your termination, so practice explaining the timeline clearly. 4) Don't be afraid to ask the judge to repeat questions if you didn't hear clearly - it's a phone hearing so audio can be spotty. Most importantly, emphasize that your safety complaints were made in good faith and that the "performance issues" only came up after you complained. Good luck!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who works in workforce development - you're absolutely right to file a new claim! Since you worked for 8 months between claims, you've definitely established new qualifying wages that should make you eligible. The great thing about New York's system is that it recognizes when people are trying to work and supports them when those jobs don't work out. One small tip: when you file online, make sure you select "file a new claim" rather than "reopen existing claim" since this will be treated as a completely new application. Also, keep in mind that your weekly certification process will start fresh, so you'll need to be available for work and actively seeking employment just like with your first claim. The whole process should be much more familiar this time around though! Best of luck with your new claim.

I'm actually going through this exact same situation right now! My UI benefits ended about 6 months ago, I worked part-time at a restaurant, and now that job just ended last week. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - I was so worried that I might have waited too long or that there would be complications filing a second claim. It's amazing to see so many people confirming that you can file immediately with no waiting period between claims. I'm planning to file this week and feeling much more confident about it now. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this thread is going to help so many people in similar situations!

Hey Diego! I went through this exact same thing when my restaurant cut my hours during a slow period. You can definitely file for partial unemployment in NY - it's actually designed for situations like yours. Here's what I learned: You'll file an initial claim online, then certify weekly by reporting your exact hours and earnings (including tips). The system automatically calculates your partial benefit using their formula. What really helped me was keeping a simple notebook where I tracked my daily hours and tips - made the weekly reporting so much easier. Don't wait thinking your hours might come back soon, because benefits only start from when you file, not when your hours were reduced. Your manager reducing shifts due to slow business is exactly the kind of situation that qualifies for partial benefits. The process seems intimidating at first but it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Definitely worth filing if you're struggling to cover rent!

Diego, I just went through this same exact situation at my coffee shop job! My hours got cut from 30+ to barely 15 per week and I was panicking about bills. Filing for partial unemployment in NY was honestly one of the best decisions I made. The process is way simpler than I thought it would be - you just file online, then do weekly check-ins where you report your hours and pay (tips included). The NYS Department of Labor system does all the calculations for you, so you don't have to stress about the math. What really saved me was starting a simple spreadsheet to track my shifts and earnings each day - made the weekly reporting super easy. Your situation with reduced restaurant hours due to slow business is exactly what this program is for. Don't overthink it like I did for weeks! The hardest part is just getting started, but once you're in the routine it becomes second nature. Definitely file ASAP since benefits only start from when you actually submit your claim, not when your hours were cut. You've got this!

Just went through this same nightmare last month. The Watertown Career Center at 1000 Coffeen St is still open but they literally cannot touch unemployment claims anymore - it's all done through Albany now. What worked for me was calling the main number (888-209-8124) at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday. Took about 45 minutes on hold but I finally got through. Also heard good things about that claimyr service people mentioned. Don't waste gas driving around to offices - they'll just tell you the same thing. The whole system is frustrating but you gotta work within it now 😤

Been in the same boat as you @Maggie Martinez - it's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about unemployment and can't even get basic help. I actually had success using a combination of what everyone mentioned here. Called the 888 number at 7:45am on a Wednesday (seems like weekday mornings are key), and when that didn't work after a few tries, I bit the bullet and used claimyr. Yes it costs money but honestly when you're desperate and need answers, $20 is worth not losing your sanity. The physical office thing is dead - learned that the hard way after driving to three different locations 🤦‍♀️ Also pro tip: if you have any local state assembly member contacts, sometimes their offices can help expedite things. Don't give up!

Maya, you're absolutely making the right decision by questioning that warehouse job offer! As someone who just went through this exact situation a few months ago, I can tell you that declining unsuitable work is completely within your rights under NYS Department of Labor guidelines. A $5/hour pay cut from your retail management role (that's about a 28% reduction!) combined with zero warehouse experience makes this textbook unsuitable work, especially at only 6 weeks into your claim. I turned down two similar offers early in my unemployment period - one was a significant pay cut and another required skills I didn't have - and never heard a word from NYS DOL about it. The key is being able to justify your decision if they ever ask: document the pay difference, note how it doesn't match your management experience, and keep records of your active job search in your field. Don't let anyone pressure you into thinking you have to take the first thing that comes along - you've earned the right to be selective about finding work that actually fits your background and career goals!

Maya, you're absolutely in the right to decline that warehouse job! I went through something very similar when I was on unemployment - got offered a job that was way below my previous salary and completely outside my field. The NYS Department of Labor has clear guidelines about "suitable work" and your situation hits multiple criteria for unsuitable: the significant pay cut (from $18 to $13/hour is nearly a 30% reduction!), the lack of relevant experience, and you're still early in your claim at only 6 weeks. I kept detailed records of offers I declined and never had any issues with my benefits. The system recognizes that taking a job that's way below your skill level and pay grade can actually hurt your long-term career prospects. Focus your search on retail management positions or similar roles that match your $18/hour experience level - you have time to find something appropriate rather than settling for the first thing that comes along. Just document everything in case they ever ask for justification later!