I'm new to this community but unfortunately facing this exact situation too - my employer just announced they're relocating from Binghamton to Ohio next summer. Reading through all these experiences has been such a relief! Like everyone else here, my HR department gave me the same misleading information about not qualifying for unemployment if I don't relocate, but it's clear from all your stories that this is just standard misinformation they use to discourage legitimate claims. I can't move because I'm currently my grandmother's primary caregiver - she has Alzheimer's and any disruption to her routine and medical care would be catastrophic for her condition. Plus, I'm in the middle of my master's degree program at a local university that I've been working toward for three years. Ohio is obviously way beyond that 50-mile rule everyone mentioned, and the documentation advice from @Dylan Campbell about keeping everything in writing is incredibly valuable. I've already started screenshotting all the relocation communications and plan to gather medical documentation about my grandmother's care needs. It's so frustrating that employers try these scare tactics, but I'm grateful to have found this thread before making any decisions. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences with NYS Department of Labor - you're helping people like me understand our rights and not get taken advantage of during an already stressful situation!

I'm also new to this community and unfortunately going through the same situation - my employer just announced they're relocating from Rochester to Tennessee in a few months. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring! Like so many others, my HR department used almost identical language about not qualifying for unemployment if I don't relocate, but it's clear from all these stories that this is just a standard script they use to discourage legitimate claims. I can't move because I'm in the middle of cancer treatment here and have an established team of specialists who know my case inside and out. Switching medical teams and insurance networks in the middle of treatment would be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Tennessee is obviously way beyond any reasonable commuting distance, and the advice about documenting everything has been so helpful - I'm going to start gathering all my medical records and treatment schedules as evidence of why relocation would create severe hardship. It's really frustrating that employers try to mislead workers about their rights during already stressful situations, but I'm so grateful to have found this thread. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences with NYS Department of Labor - you're helping people like me understand that we actually have protections in these situations and don't have to just accept what HR tells us!

I've been silently following this thread for days and finally tried the strategies everyone's been sharing - and it WORKED! Called yesterday at 4:24pm using the main number (1-888-209-8124), pressed 2 then 3 as suggested, and got through after about 21 minutes on hold. My issue was that my claim had been stuck showing "payment released" for 3 weeks but nothing was hitting my bank account. Turns out my bank had changed their routing number recently and the payments were bouncing back! The agent updated my direct deposit info and said the backed-up payments should process within 2-3 business days. One thing that really helped: I wrote down EXACTLY what I needed to say when the agent answered, including my specific issue, how long it had been going on, and what I'd already tried. This kept me from rambling and helped her identify the problem quickly. To anyone still trying: the 4:15-5:00pm window is absolutely real, and don't hang up if you get put on hold - I almost gave up at the 18-minute mark but stayed on and finally got through. This community has been more helpful than anything official. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences!

I've been watching this thread develop over the past few days and it's incredible how you all have basically reverse-engineered the NYSDOL phone system! As someone who works in customer service (different industry), I can tell you that these timing patterns are probably real - most call centers have predictable busy periods and slower windows. A few additional tips from my experience managing phone queues: - The 4:15-5:00pm success window makes perfect sense because most people assume offices are "winding down" and don't call then, but staff are actually still there and queues are lighter - Wednesday-Thursday really are typically lower call volume days across most industries - Having your account info ready (PIN, SSN, etc.) speeds up verification and shows the agent you're prepared, which often makes them more willing to spend time helping For anyone still struggling: create a simple checklist on your phone with all the info you need (PIN, SSN, bank routing, employer details, specific questions) so you're not scrambling when you finally get connected. Good luck everyone - this community support has been amazing to watch!

While you're waiting, make sure you keep certifying your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. If your claim gets approved, you'll receive back payments for all the weeks you certified. Also double-check that you're meeting the job search requirements - you need to log 3 work search activities per week in the system.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still pending with no communication from NYS DOL. The phone lines are absolutely useless, I've tried calling dozens of times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for 2+ hours just to get disconnected. It's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances and can't get any answers about your own claim. Have you tried reaching out to your local assemblyperson's office? I heard they sometimes have direct contacts at the labor department who can help check on claim status.

I'm currently navigating this same situation after being laid off from my teaching job in December. I've been collecting unemployment while taking two online graduate courses (6 credits total) that are completely asynchronous - no set class times at all. This has worked perfectly because I can do coursework around my job search schedule and interviews. The flexibility of online/asynchronous classes really eliminates any concern about availability for work. When I file my weekly claims, I always answer that I'm available for full-time work because my studies don't restrict my schedule in any way. So far NYS Department of Labor hasn't questioned anything. If you're considering school while on unemployment, I'd definitely recommend looking into online programs with flexible scheduling - it gives you the best of both worlds without any availability conflicts.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation! Got laid off from my administrative job in March and started taking one evening business class at the local community college. I've been really careful to keep it to just 3 credits and scheduled it for Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:30pm so it doesn't interfere with daytime job opportunities. On my weekly certifications, I always mark that I'm available for work because my class schedule wouldn't prevent me from accepting a full-time position. So far I haven't had any issues with NYS Department of Labor, but I'm always nervous about it when I file each week. The class is actually helping me learn skills that are relevant to the jobs I'm applying for, which I think could be a positive if they ever ask about it. Just make sure whatever you choose doesn't limit your availability during normal business hours!

IN PROGRESS IS JUST CODE FOR 'WE'LL GET TO IT WHEN WE FEEL LIKE IT' - been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for years and they never give you real timelines. Could be 2 weeks could be 2 months depending on their mood.

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 8 days ago and still showing 'in progress'. Called the 888 number multiple times but can never get through. From what I've read on other forums, they're really backlogged right now. Some people say to keep doing your weekly certifications even during the 'in progress' phase because once it gets approved, you'll get back payments for those weeks. Really hoping it doesn't take the full 3 weeks but trying to stay patient.