@Zoe Christodoulou I went through this process last year and it's definitely worth pursuing! The key thing to understand is that there are different types of training benefits. Section 599 is the most common - it allows you to attend approved full-time training while continuing to collect unemployment without having to do job searches. However, it doesn't cover tuition costs. If you're laid off due to trade/globalization reasons, you might qualify for TAA which can actually help pay for training. I'd recommend calling the NYS Department of Labor training unit directly (though be prepared for long hold times) or visiting your local career center where they can walk you through the application process in person. Make sure to have your training program information ready before you apply.

I actually just went through the Section 599 approval process a few months ago for a cybersecurity bootcamp. The career center route is definitely faster than calling - I was able to sit down with a counselor who helped me fill out Form TE-549 correctly and explained exactly what documentation I needed. They also verified that my program was on the ETPL list right there in the office. As for timing, you can apply for Section 599 approval at any point during your unemployment claim, but you MUST get approval before starting classes. I applied about 6 weeks into my claim and it worked fine. Just remember that Section 599 only waives job search requirements - you still need to be physically able to work and available for work outside of class hours. If you're doing a full-time intensive program, make sure to discuss this with your counselor to avoid any issues with your claim.

Your sister should definitely apply - don't let her assume she's not eligible just because she quit. I work in HR and see this situation a lot. NYS Department of Labor specifically recognizes hostile work environment as good cause for quitting under Section 593 of the labor law. The key things she should gather before filing: any texts or emails showing the hostile behavior, names of coworkers who witnessed incidents, documentation of any complaints she made (even informal ones), and a detailed timeline of events. She should file as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period anyway. Even if the initial decision takes time, she won't get benefits for weeks she doesn't claim. The worst they can say is no, but she might be surprised and get approved.

I went through something similar with NYS Department of Labor last year. One thing that really helped my case was writing down everything I could remember about the hostile incidents - even small details like dates, times, and exactly what was said. I also reached out to former coworkers who witnessed some of the behavior and asked if they'd be willing to provide statements if needed. The adjudicator told me later that having multiple sources backing up my story made a big difference. Your sister should also keep records of her job search efforts since she'll need to show she's actively looking for work. The whole process was stressful but definitely worth it - I ended up getting approved after the initial review. Tell her not to get discouraged if it takes a while to hear back!

thanks for asking this question, i was wondering the same thing but felt dumb asking lol

I went through this exact same confusion when I first applied! One thing that helped me was looking at my actual wage statements from employers - they usually show which quarter the wages were reported for. Also, if you worked multiple part-time jobs like you mentioned, make sure ALL your employers reported your wages correctly to NYS Department of Labor. I had one employer who was late reporting my Q2 wages and it initially looked like I had a gap in my work history. The system automatically calculates your base period once you file, but it's worth double-checking that all your wages are showing up properly in their system.

I'm experiencing this exact same issue and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! Just received that confusing notice about documents I supposedly got weeks ago (definitely never received them) and my deadline is approaching in 5 days. Like everyone else, I've searched everywhere on my dashboard but only see the usual weekly certification and payment history - no document upload section anywhere. After reading all these experiences, it's clear the January 2025 system update has created widespread technical glitches affecting tons of claimants. 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 maddening that we have to become tech troubleshooters just to submit basic required documents when people's benefits are on the line, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing real solutions when the official system is completely failing us. This thread has provided more actual help than anything I could find from NYSDOL directly! 🙏

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now and this thread has been such a huge relief! Got that same mysterious notice about documents I supposedly received weeks ago (never actually got them) and my deadline is in just 3 days. Like everyone else here, I've been frantically searching my dashboard for any kind of upload section but only see weekly certifications and payment history - absolutely nothing about document submission. I was starting to think I was completely technologically incompetent, but reading all these experiences makes it clear this January 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 check my message center for any direct upload links from agents. It's absolutely infuriating that we have to become amateur IT troubleshooters just to comply with basic requirements when our benefits are on the line, but I'm so grateful for everyone here sharing real solutions when the official system is completely useless. This community thread has provided more actual helpful information than anything I could find from NYSDOL directly! 🙏

Before you quit, also consider consulting with an employment attorney. Some offer free consultations and they can advise whether your situation might qualify for other legal remedies beyond just unemployment benefits. Sometimes having attorney documentation can also help with your NYS Department of Labor claim.

I've been through a similar situation and want to emphasize that timing is crucial here. Don't rush into quitting - build your case methodically first. Start documenting everything TODAY (dates, times, witnesses, exact quotes if possible). File that HR complaint in writing and keep copies. Also check if your company has an anonymous hotline or ombudsman. NYS Department of Labor will look at whether you made reasonable efforts to resolve the situation internally before quitting. The stronger your paper trail, the better your chances during adjudication. It's frustrating to stay in a toxic environment longer, but those extra weeks of documentation could make the difference between getting benefits or not.