Been there! Got canned for attendance at my retail job in 2023 and NYS Department of Labor approved my claim after about 3 weeks. The main thing is being honest about why you were fired and having some proof that your absences weren't just you being lazy or irresponsible.

Similar situation here - got terminated for attendance at my previous job but was approved for benefits. The NYS Department of Labor really focuses on whether you had control over the situation. Since you mentioned car troubles and family emergency, those are typically considered valid reasons beyond your control. When you file, be upfront about being terminated for attendance but emphasize the circumstances. Also, if your employer contests the claim (which they often do), don't panic - you'll get a chance to present your side during the hearing. The whole process can take 4-6 weeks but it's worth pursuing since you worked there for 2 years with no other issues.

Just want to add that even if you don't receive the 1099-G, you're still required to report all unemployment income. Keep track of your weekly benefit amounts if you can't get the form. The IRS gets copies of these forms so they'll know if you don't report the income.

One more thing to keep in mind - if you moved or changed addresses during 2024, make sure NYS Department of Labor has your current mailing address on file. I almost missed my 1099-G last year because it went to my old apartment. You can update your address in the my.ny.gov portal under personal information. Also, if you're filing early, the 1099-G might not be available until mid-January, so don't panic if it's not there yet!

I went through almost the exact same situation with a shoulder injury from repetitive motions at my assembly line job. NYS Department of Labor did approve my claim, but here's what really helped: I made sure my doctor's letter specifically mentioned that continuing the work would "aggravate" or "worsen" my condition - those seem to be key phrases they look for. Also document EVERYTHING with your employer - save those emails about requesting accommodation! The process took about 6 weeks for me, but I got approved retroactively. Hang in there, you have a legitimate case with the medical documentation and accommodation refusal.

I'm currently going through something similar - had to quit my retail job due to severe arthritis flare-ups that made standing for 8+ hours impossible. My manager kept scheduling me for long shifts despite my doctor's note recommending limited standing time. I just filed my unemployment claim last week and included all my medical records, the accommodation request emails, and my manager's response saying they "couldn't make special arrangements." The NYS Department of Labor website actually has a specific section about voluntary quit for medical reasons under their "good cause" guidelines - it really helped me understand what documentation I needed. Fingers crossed we both get approved! The financial stress while waiting is awful but it sounds like you have a strong case with the medical documentation and your employer's refusal to accommodate.

The whole benefit year system is just another way for them to make it harder for people to get help. Why can't they just let you collect as long as you need it if you're still looking for work?? The 26 week limit is ridiculous when some industries have been struggling for years.

Just wanted to add that it's really important to start planning ahead if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks within your benefit year. I learned the hard way that you should start ramping up your job search efforts and maybe consider temporary or part-time work to build up some recent work history before your benefit year ends. Also, keep all your documentation from your current claim - you'll need it when you file a new one. The transition between benefit years can be stressful, but understanding the timeline helps you prepare better.

I went through this exact same stress when I was approaching my 26 week limit! What really saved me was getting organized early - I made a simple chart tracking my claim weeks and discovered I had 4 weeks left when I thought I was almost out. That gave me time to breathe and plan. Since you're in manufacturing, definitely look into those workforce development programs others mentioned. I ended up finding work in week 24, but having that backup plan researched made all the difference for my peace of mind. The NY system is confusing but the 26 week standard limit is solid info to plan around. You've got this!

I'm going through the same thing right now and all this info is super helpful! Started my claim around the same time as you and have been stressed about the timeline. One thing I learned from calling the DOL (after many attempts) is that if you do hit your 26 week limit, you can't just file a new claim right away - you have to wait until your benefit year ends or have enough new wages to qualify for a new claim. So definitely worth looking into those training programs everyone mentioned as a backup. Also, make sure you're documenting all your job search activities really well because they've been auditing those more strictly lately. The whole process is nerve-wracking but sounds like you're on the right track asking these questions now rather than waiting until the last minute!