


Ask the community...
I'm dealing with this exact anxiety right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago and just realized I might have put down the wrong separation date - I was laid off on a Wednesday but think I accidentally put Thursday because I was so frazzled filling everything out. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief though. It sounds like these honest mistakes are totally normal and the DOL has processes to handle them. I'm definitely going to take the advice about calling with all my correct information written down ahead of time. Has anyone had success using the online portal for corrections, or is calling really the best way to go? The phone wait times are intimidating but it sounds like it's worth it to talk to an actual person.
I've used both the online portal and phone calls for corrections, and honestly calling was much more effective for me. The online portal can be a bit confusing to navigate and sometimes corrections get lost in their system. When you call, you get immediate confirmation that your correction was recorded properly. The wait times are definitely frustrating, but I found calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) or mid-afternoon worked better than lunch hours. A one-day difference in separation date like yours is super minor and exactly the kind of thing they see all the time - don't stress too much about it! Just have your correct date ready and maybe a quick explanation of why the mix-up happened.
I went through this same panic about 8 months ago when I realized I had mixed up my gross and net weekly wages on my initial application. The anxiety was eating me alive! Here's what I learned from my experience: First, take a deep breath - the NYS DOL processes thousands of these corrections every month. I ended up calling their customer service line (took about 45 minutes on hold, but I got through around 10 AM on a Tuesday). The representative was incredibly patient and walked me through exactly how to submit a wage correction. She explained that wage discrepancies are flagged during their routine employer verification anyway, so being proactive actually speeds up the process rather than delays it. The correction took about 2-3 weeks to fully process, but my benefits weren't interrupted at all. My biggest piece of advice: gather all your pay stubs and employment documents before calling so you have the exact correct information ready. Also, don't let the "under review" status freak you out - that's completely normal and doesn't indicate there's a problem. You're going to be fine!
This is so reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same wage mix-up! I've been absolutely spiraling about potentially getting my gross and net wages confused too. The detail about calling around 10 AM on a Tuesday is really helpful - I've been trying to call during my lunch breaks but that's probably peak time. It's such a relief to know that wage discrepancies get flagged during employer verification anyway, so being proactive actually helps rather than hurts. I'm definitely going to gather all my pay stubs before calling like you suggested. Thank you for sharing your experience - it's exactly what I needed to hear to stop the anxiety spiral!
I'm also a teacher in NY and went through this exact situation when I first started teaching. The reasonable assurance rule is definitely frustrating, but there's one scenario that might apply to some teachers - if you're on a temporary or substitute contract rather than a permanent position. I had a friend who was able to collect unemployment between her long-term sub positions because she didn't have that "reasonable assurance" of returning to the same job. Also, if you're looking for summer income, many districts hire teachers for summer programs, ESY (Extended School Year), or summer school positions. The pay isn't great but it's something. Some teachers also do test prep tutoring or work at educational summer camps. It's worth checking with your union rep too - they usually have good information about what options are available in your specific district.
That's a great point about substitute positions! I'm curious about the summer school angle - if a teacher works summer school for their own district, does that affect their eligibility for unemployment in future summers? Like, would the NYS Department of Labor consider that as strengthening the "reasonable assurance" argument even more? Also, do you know if there are any differences between working summer programs within your home district versus taking a summer position in a completely different district?
I'm a former NYS Department of Labor employee and can confirm what others have said about the reasonable assurance rule. It's codified in NY Labor Law Section 590.11 and is pretty strictly enforced for school employees. The key factor is whether you have a contract or written agreement to return to work in the fall. Even if your salary is spread over 12 months instead of 10, you're still considered to have reasonable assurance. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're a probationary teacher and there's genuine uncertainty about your job security for the next year, that could potentially affect your eligibility. But you'd need documentation showing the uncertainty isn't just routine evaluation but actual doubt about contract renewal. The burden of proof would be on you to show the assurance isn't "reasonable." For most tenured or continuing contract teachers though, summer unemployment just isn't going to happen under current NY law.
Thanks for that detailed legal breakdown! As someone new to this situation, I'm wondering - what exactly constitutes "documentation showing uncertainty" for probationary teachers? Would something like a performance improvement plan or concerns raised during evaluations be enough, or does it need to be more explicit like a notice that contract renewal is in question? Also, you mentioned NY Labor Law Section 590.11 - is that something regular people can access online to read the exact language, or do you need to go through legal databases?
I'm currently going through this process too and the waiting is so stressful! From everything I've read here, it sounds like 2-3 weeks after the waiting week is pretty standard, but some people are waiting longer. The most important thing seems to be keeping up with those weekly certifications - don't skip any even if nothing shows up yet. I've been setting reminders on my phone so I don't forget. Also keeping screenshots of everything just in case. The determination letter is definitely a good sign though - means you're approved and it's just a matter of waiting for the system to process everything. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to stress too much. Bills are scary but you're through the hardest part! 💪
Thanks for the encouragement! You're absolutely right about keeping up with those weekly certifications - I've been setting phone reminders too because I'm so paranoid about missing one. It's reassuring to hear that the determination letter is a good sign. I'm definitely trying to stay positive, but you know how it is when bills are looming! 😅 At least we're all in this together and can share our experiences. Hopefully we'll all be celebrating our first payments soon! 🤞
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got my determination letter earlier this week and finished my waiting week yesterday. The stress is real - constantly checking my account and the NYSDOL website hoping to see some movement 😅 From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 2-3 weeks is pretty typical, though some folks have waited longer. I'm making sure to certify every single week and keeping all my confirmation numbers just in case. One thing that's helping me cope is setting realistic expectations based on what everyone's sharing here. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part, but it's comforting to know so many people have been through this exact process and gotten their payments eventually. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and tips - it really helps to know we're not alone in this waiting game! Fingers crossed we all see our payments soon 🤞
I'm literally in the exact same situation! Just finished my waiting week a couple days ago and the anticipation is killing me 😅 It's so helpful to see everyone's timelines here - gives me hope that 2-3 weeks is realistic. I've been obsessively checking my account too, but trying to remind myself that the determination letter means I'm approved and it's just a waiting game now. Definitely going to be super careful about those weekly certifications - seems like that's the one thing that could mess everything up at this point. We're so close! 🤞
Omar, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's stroke and the impossible position this has put you in. Reading through all these responses, it's clear you're getting some excellent guidance. I wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful - many states have Family Caregiver Support Programs through the Older Americans Act that provide things like respite care vouchers, caregiver training, and even modest stipends for family members providing care. You can usually find these through your Area Agency on Aging. Also, don't overlook the possibility that your mother might qualify for programs based on her work history - if she paid into Social Security, she might be eligible for disability benefits even from a stroke, which could help with household finances. The fact that you worked in healthcare for 8 years before this happened shows your dedication both professionally and personally. This community seems really supportive and knowledgeable - I hope some of these suggestions lead to the help you and your mother need. Take care of yourself too in all of this.
Sofia, thank you for bringing up the Family Caregiver Support Programs - that's another really important resource! The combination of respite care vouchers and caregiver training could be incredibly valuable for Omar's situation. Your point about his mother's potential Social Security disability eligibility is crucial too - stroke survivors often do qualify for SSDI benefits, and that monthly income could make a huge difference for their household expenses. Omar, it's amazing to see how much support and knowledge this community has shared with you. Between CDPAP, veteran's benefits if applicable, Family Caregiver Support Programs, leveraging your healthcare background for flexible work, and exploring your mother's disability benefits - you have so many avenues to pursue. I know it feels overwhelming when you're already exhausted from caregiving, but even getting one or two of these programs in place could provide significant relief. You're doing an incredibly difficult and selfless thing, and it's clear from everyone's responses that people recognize and want to support that.
Omar, I'm so sorry about your mother's stroke - what an incredibly difficult situation. I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help that I haven't seen mentioned yet. Since you worked at a hospital for 8 years, you likely have strong connections in the healthcare community. I'd suggest reaching out to the stroke unit or rehabilitation department at your former hospital - they often maintain lists of community resources specifically for stroke survivors and their families that aren't widely publicized. Additionally, many stroke support groups have informal networks where families share resources and sometimes even coordinate respite care for each other. The American Stroke Association chapters often facilitate these connections. Also, if your mother had any kind of retirement savings or pension from her work, there might be hardship withdrawal options available that could provide some financial breathing room while you navigate all these other programs everyone has mentioned. Your dedication to your mother is incredible, and I really hope some of these resources work out for you both.
Henrietta Beasley
I went through this exact same situation last month when I switched from Bank of America to TD Bank. The returned payment showed up on a Wednesday and I got the redeposit the following Tuesday - so about 6 business days total. What really helped was checking my payment status obsessively on the DOL website because like someone else mentioned, they don't always send email notifications when they reprocess. Also make sure you screenshot everything showing the "returned" status and your correct new bank info just in case you need to prove to an agent later that everything is set up right on your end. The waiting is brutal when rent is due but hang in there - it will eventually go through.
0 coins
Michael Green
•This is super helpful! I'm dealing with the same thing right now - payment got returned yesterday when I switched from Wells Fargo to Chase. Really appreciate you sharing the timeline, gives me hope I might see the money by early next week. Definitely going to start checking the website multiple times a day like you suggested. The screenshot idea is smart too in case I need proof later. Thanks for the reassurance that it does eventually work out!
0 coins
Max Knight
Been dealing with NY unemployment for 8 months now and this returned payment thing is unfortunately super common. From my experience and talking to others in similar situations, you're looking at roughly 7-10 business days for them to reprocess it to your new Chase account. The really frustrating part is there's basically no way to speed it up unless you can somehow get through to a human agent (which is nearly impossible). One thing that helped me when this happened was setting up text alerts on my Chase account so I'd know immediately when the deposit finally came through, rather than constantly refreshing the DOL website. Also, if you're really tight on rent money, reach out to your landlord NOW and explain the situation - most reasonable landlords will work with you if you give them a heads up rather than just being late without explanation. The system sucks but you'll get your money eventually. Hang in there!
0 coins