I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and this thread has been such a lifesaver! Just got that confusing notice about documents I supposedly received weeks ago (never actually got them) and my deadline is in 4 days. Like everyone else here, I've tried everything - different browsers, clearing cache, logging out and back in, updating my profile info - but I still can't find any document upload section anywhere on my dashboard. It's just showing the regular weekly certification and payment history like normal. After reading through all these experiences, it's obvious this January 2025 system update has created a massive glitch affecting tons of people, not user error on our part! I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy tomorrow morning based on all the success stories shared here, and I'll make sure to obsessively check my message center for any direct upload links from agents. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become amateur tech support specialists just to submit basic required documents when people's livelihoods depend on this system working properly, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their real-world solutions when the official resources are completely failing us. This community has been infinitely more helpful than anything I could find from NYSDOL directly! 🙏

I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating issue right now! Got that mysterious notice about documents I supposedly received weeks ago (never got them of course) and my deadline is approaching in just 3 days. Like everyone else here, I've tried absolutely everything - different browsers, clearing cache, logging out and back in multiple times, updating profile information - but there's still no document upload section visible anywhere on my dashboard. Just the usual weekly certification and payment history showing up. Reading through this entire thread has been both incredibly helpful and reassuring - I was starting to think I was completely missing something obvious, but it's clear the January 2025 system update has broken the upload functionality for tons of people. Based on all the success stories shared here, I'm definitely going to try calling right at 8 AM tomorrow morning and will obsessively monitor my message center for any direct upload links from agents. It's absolutely infuriating that we have to become amateur IT support specialists just to comply with their basic requirements when our financial security is on the line, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing actual working solutions when the official system is completely broken. This thread has been more helpful than anything I could find from NYSDOL directly! Fingers crossed the 8 AM strategy works for me too! 🤞

I'm in almost exactly the same boat as you @Sean Matthews - my benefits are ending in about a week and I've been stressing about this nonstop! This entire thread has been incredibly helpful though. Based on everything everyone has shared, it sounds like the most important things are: 1) Don't wait - apply for the UI Extension Program through your online account ASAP, 2) Make sure you have your job search activities documented in a PDF format, and 3) Check for any outstanding issues in your account status that could block the application. I just logged in and found that Pre-Extension Checklist that others mentioned - it's a lifesaver for making sure you have everything ready before submitting. The processing time being 1-2 weeks now instead of the old 7-10 days is definitely concerning, so I'm planning to submit my application tomorrow. The fact that there's also a Hardship Extension option as backup is really reassuring for those of us who are facing rent/utility issues. Has anyone here actually had to use the Hardship Extension, and if so, how was that process compared to the regular UI Extension? Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community support makes such a difference when the official resources are so confusing to navigate!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! My benefits end in about 6 days and I've been panicking about this for weeks. This thread has been absolutely incredible - I had no idea about so many of these requirements and details. Based on everything I'm reading here, I'm going to log into my account right after this and look for that Pre-Extension Checklist everyone mentioned. I've been keeping my job search records in a messy combination of notebooks and random emails, so I definitely need to get everything organized into a proper PDF format tonight. The information about potential processing delays up to 2 weeks is really concerning since I'm cutting it so close. I wish I had found this thread sooner! But at least now I know exactly what I need to do instead of just guessing. One thing I'm wondering about - for those who got approved, did your weekly benefit amount change immediately when the extension kicked in, or did it stay the same for a few weeks first? I'm trying to plan my budget and want to know if I should expect the reduced amount (85% of original) right away or if there might be a transition period. Thank you so much to everyone who shared their experiences. Knowing that other people have successfully navigated this process makes it feel way less overwhelming!

I'm also a teacher dealing with a non-renewal situation, and from everything I've researched, you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits. The main thing that disqualifies teachers is when they have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work - but since your position was eliminated due to budget cuts, that doesn't apply to you. I'd suggest filing your claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Make sure to emphasize on your application that this was an involuntary separation due to lack of work/budget cuts, not a resignation. Also, keep applying for other teaching positions while you're collecting - they'll ask about your job search activities in the weekly certifications. The stress is real, but at least unemployment benefits can help bridge the gap while you find your next position!

I went through this exact situation last year when my district cut my position due to budget constraints. You absolutely can file for unemployment benefits since your contract wasn't renewed involuntarily. The key is that you don't have "reasonable assurance" of employment for the next school year, which is what typically disqualifies teachers during summer breaks. When I filed, I made sure to clearly state that my position was eliminated due to budget cuts - not that I resigned or chose not to return. I had my claim approved within about 3 weeks and received benefits throughout the summer while job hunting. Don't wait to apply - there's a one-week waiting period, and the sooner you get in the system, the better. Also, keep detailed records of your job search efforts since you'll need to report them weekly. The financial stress is tough, but unemployment benefits really do help bridge the gap while you're looking for your next teaching position. Hang in there!

Yeah they definitely don't automatically withhold. I forgot to elect it my first few weeks and had to call to change it. The tax withholding election stays in place for all your future weekly claims once you set it up, so you don't have to keep selecting it every week.

Just to add some perspective as someone who's been through this - I'd strongly recommend electing the tax withholding right from the start. I made the mistake of not doing it initially thinking I'd handle it myself, and it was a nightmare trying to calculate and make quarterly payments while already stressed about being unemployed. The 10% federal and ~3.5% NY state withholding won't cover everything if you have other income, but it's a good safety net and way less stressful than owing a lump sum at tax time.

I'm in a really similar boat right now - got let go last month for attendance issues that were mostly due to health problems and my car breaking down constantly. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits. @Jacinda Yu your story especially resonates with me since it sounds like you had the exact same mix of health and transportation issues. I've been hesitating to file because I was worried they'd automatically deny anyone fired for attendance, but it sounds like they actually look at the circumstances. Going to gather up all my medical records and start the application process this week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm going through something very similar right now - just got terminated last week for attendance issues that were mainly due to ongoing health problems and unreliable transportation. Reading everyone's experiences here is really giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits despite being fired. I was honestly terrified to even apply because I thought attendance-related terminations would be an automatic disqualification. But seeing that NYS Department of Labor actually looks at whether it was willful misconduct versus circumstances beyond your control makes me feel much more confident about filing. I have all my medical documentation from this year and records of the car repairs that caused some of my tardiness. Planning to be completely transparent about everything when I file my claim this week. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now!