This is so unfair! How are we supposed to survive when they take most of our benefits for back support? The whole system is broken.

If you're concerned about the deduction amount, you might want to contact your local child support enforcement office to discuss a payment plan modification. Sometimes they can work with you to adjust the amount being taken from your unemployment benefits, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You can also request that they leave you with enough to cover basic living expenses - there are usually minimum amounts they have to leave you with. Document everything and keep records of all your communications with both the child support office and NYS Department of Labor.

Hey Oliver, I've been in your exact situation and I know how terrifying that 26-week deadline feels. Here's what I learned when I hit that wall last year: **Reality check:** NY doesn't have automatic extensions anymore, BUT there are still ways to survive this gap. **Immediate action items:** • File for SNAP today - seriously, don't wait another day. It takes 2-3 weeks to process • Call 211 right now for local emergency assistance programs • Hit up temp agencies like Kelly Services and Adecco - they can place you within 48 hours sometimes **Quick cash options:** • Amazon warehouses are hiring like crazy for peak season - they hire fast • Try Uber/DoorDash/Instacart for immediate income • Check Facebook Marketplace for moving/cleaning gigs **Job search reality:** • Stop relying only on Indeed - try ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and company websites directly • Update your LinkedIn and start messaging old colleagues - swallow your pride, it works • Call companies after you apply online - shows you actually care The mental game is the hardest part. Set tiny daily goals (3 applications, 2 phone calls) so you feel productive instead of drowning. I ended up in a WAY better job after going through this nightmare, even though I thought my life was over at the time. You're gonna make it through this - the fact that you're asking for help shows you've got the right mindset. Keep fighting! 💪

Hey Oliver, I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of approaching that 26-week limit is absolutely overwhelming and I completely understand your anxiety about it. I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and honestly, it was one of the most terrifying periods of my life. The uncertainty is brutal, but I want you to know that you CAN get through this. Here's what helped me survive the transition: **Immediate steps to take:** • Apply for SNAP benefits RIGHT NOW if you haven't already - it takes 2-3 weeks to process so every day counts • Call 211 for local emergency assistance programs - they have resources you probably don't know about • Contact temp agencies like Kelly Services, Adecco, and Express Employment - they can sometimes place you within 24-48 hours **Quick income while job searching:** • Seasonal hiring is starting now - Target, Amazon warehouses, UPS are all ramping up for holidays • Try gig work like Instacart or DoorDash for immediate cash flow • Check Care.com for pet sitting or house sitting - gigs often start same day **Job search strategy that worked:** • Set up job alerts on multiple sites, not just Indeed • Update your LinkedIn and start reaching out to former colleagues - that's literally how I found my current job • Apply directly on company websites after seeing postings elsewhere The mental health piece is huge - set small daily goals (3 applications, 2 networking calls) to stay focused instead of getting overwhelmed. I know it feels hopeless right now, but I actually ended up in a better position than my original job. You're being proactive by asking for help, which shows you have the right mindset to get through this. Keep us posted on how things go - we're all rooting for you! 💪

I'm currently waiting for my appeal decision after a hearing two weeks ago for a similar constructive dismissal case. This thread has been incredibly helpful in understanding what to expect once I hopefully win. The consistent timeline everyone is sharing (10-15 business days for status change, then payments within a few days) gives me realistic expectations. One question - did anyone have issues with their employer trying to contest the appeal decision after losing? My former employer seemed pretty upset during the hearing and I'm worried they might try to drag this out further somehow. Also wondering if there's any notification when your status changes or if you just have to keep checking the website daily like Sofia mentioned?

I just won my constructive dismissal appeal last week and this thread has been so helpful! I'm on day 6 since the hearing decision and my status still shows "appeal decision pending implementation." Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should expect the status change sometime in the next week or so, then payments shortly after. I was initially denied for "voluntary quit" but had solid documentation showing my employer created impossible working conditions that forced me to leave. The hearing went well and I represented myself successfully. I'm owed 5 weeks of back pay and really need this money to catch up on bills. It's reassuring to see so many people with similar cases who eventually got their full back pay. The waiting is definitely stressful but knowing the typical 3-4 week total timeline helps manage expectations. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it makes this process much less scary when you know what to expect!

Hang in there Malik! Getting laid off is tough, but you're asking all the right questions. Based on what you've shared, you should definitely qualify - layoffs are exactly what unemployment benefits are designed for, and your 2 years of full-time work history puts you in great shape. Just to add to what others have said, when you file your claim, make sure to answer all questions honestly and completely. The system will automatically calculate your benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter during the base period, so that steady full-time income should work in your favor. Also, once you start receiving benefits, keep track of your job search activities from day one - NY requires you to make work search contacts each week you claim benefits. The requirements are pretty reasonable, but staying organized from the start will save you headaches later. You're going to get through this!

Malik, I went through this exact situation 3 years ago when my tech company did massive layoffs. You're absolutely eligible - being laid off is the textbook case for unemployment benefits, and your 2 years of full-time work definitely covers the base period requirements. Here's what I wish I'd known: file your claim on the first day you're officially unemployed (so if Friday is your last day, file that Saturday or Sunday). Don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts. Also, NY changed their system recently and it's actually much more user-friendly now - the online portal at my.ny.gov walks you through everything step by step. One heads up though: they'll ask about ANY income you received during your base period, including that gap you mentioned. If you did any freelance, part-time, or contract work during that time, have those details ready. The system needs to see the full picture of your earnings. Most importantly, don't let the horror stories scare you - most straightforward layoff cases process without major issues. You've got solid work history and a legitimate claim. Stay positive!

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation and wanted to add my experience. I accepted a job offer two weeks ago that starts next month due to their quarterly training program. After reading through everyone's experiences here, I decided to continue filing my weekly claims while being completely transparent about having a future job offer. So far it's been working smoothly - when the weekly certification asks about job offers or employment prospects, I simply report that I've accepted a position with a specific start date. NYS Department of Labor hasn't questioned this approach at all. What's been most helpful is seeing how many people have successfully navigated this same scenario. It really reinforces that this is a normal part of the employment process that the system is designed to handle, not some kind of gray area we need to worry about!

I'm in almost the exact same situation as you! I accepted a job offer last week that starts in about 3 weeks, and I was really stressing about whether I could keep collecting my unemployment benefits during this gap period. After reading through all these responses, I feel so much more confident about continuing to file my weekly claims while being completely honest about having a future start date. It's really reassuring to see so many people who've successfully navigated this with NYS Department of Labor without any issues. The key seems to be transparency in your weekly certifications - report the job offer when asked about employment prospects, but continue collecting since you're technically still unemployed until you actually start working. Thanks for posting this question - the responses have been incredibly helpful for anyone in this situation!