I went through something similar when I first started collecting unemployment. The key thing to remember is that rental income is passive income, not earned income from employment. NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between these types of income. You should definitely report it on your next weekly claim - there's usually a section for "other income" where you can include it. Don't panic about not reporting it initially - just be transparent going forward. The worst thing you can do is continue not reporting it now that you're aware of it.

I'm dealing with a similar situation - I have a duplex and live in one unit while renting out the other. From what I've learned, as long as you're not actively managing the property (like doing maintenance, advertising, showing units), the rental income is considered passive and shouldn't affect your unemployment benefits. However, I'd still recommend calling NYS DOL to clarify your specific situation since every case can be different. The peace of mind is worth the wait time on hold. Also, when you do report it, make sure to specify that it's rental income from a property you own, not income from employment or self-employment activities.

I'm going through something similar right now! I was laid off in January and have been collecting benefits while job searching. Reading all these responses is so reassuring - I had no idea that employers can't access unemployment records. I've been debating whether to mention it during interviews when they ask about my employment gap, but it sounds like I can just focus on explaining that I was laid off and am looking for the right opportunity. It's wild how much mental energy we spend worrying about things that employers probably don't even think twice about. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is exactly what I needed to see today!

I'm a career counselor and see this anxiety all the time with my clients. What you're experiencing is completely normal, but here's the thing - you've actually handled this situation perfectly. You were laid off (not fired for cause), you used the unemployment system as intended while actively job searching, and now you're interviewing for new positions. That's exactly how it's supposed to work! The stigma around unemployment benefits is largely self-imposed. Most hiring managers have either been laid off themselves or know plenty of people who have. In today's economy, layoffs are seen as business decisions, not reflections of individual performance. Focus on telling your story confidently - you took time to find the right opportunity rather than settling for just anything. That actually demonstrates good judgment and self-awareness, qualities employers value.

UPDATE: I was able to get through to someone at NY unemployment! I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested earlier and got connected to an agent within 25 minutes (which is miraculous compared to my previous attempts). The agent confirmed they can mail my 1099-G to my parents' address in New York. They said it should arrive within 7-10 business days. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has a similar issue. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. The geographic IP blocking makes total sense from a security standpoint, but it's definitely frustrating when you're legitimately trying to access your own tax documents. Good to know there are multiple solutions - the official phone line, written requests, and services like Claimyr. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds!

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share some practical advice. First, the 8-year tenure you mentioned actually works in your favor - it shows you're not someone who quits impulsively. For the restructuring issue, try to find any documentation about your original job duties (offer letter, employee handbook, past performance reviews) and compare it to what you're being asked to do now. The dramatic increase in responsibilities without compensation could qualify as constructive dismissal. When documenting, be strategic - send professional emails to HR about "concerns regarding workload sustainability and job scope changes following the restructure" rather than emotional complaints about your manager. This creates a paper trail while keeping things professional. Also, before quitting, try asking HR about internal transfer opportunities or if there are any voluntary separation packages available post-restructure. Sometimes companies prefer avoiding potential constructive dismissal claims. If you do end up filing for unemployment after quitting, be prepared for an initial denial and appeals process that could take months. Having a financial cushion for that period is crucial. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is notoriously difficult, but don't give up - persistence often pays off in these cases.

I've been through a very similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. The key is understanding that NYS Department of Labor defines "good cause" pretty narrowly - it's not enough to just be unhappy or overworked. However, your situation with doing three people's jobs after a restructure without additional compensation could potentially qualify as constructive dismissal. Start documenting everything NOW - send professional emails to HR about your concerns regarding the unsustainable workload and hostile work environment. Even if they don't respond, it creates a crucial paper trail. Keep your original job description and compare it to what you're doing now to show how dramatically your role has changed. Also, try to exhaust internal remedies first - ask about transfers, speak to your manager's supervisor, or inquire about voluntary separation packages. The appeals process can take months and you likely won't receive benefits during that time, so plan financially accordingly. If you need to contact NYS Department of Labor during this process, their phone system is terrible - you might want to look into services like Claimyr that help you actually get through to a real person. Your 8-year tenure actually helps your case since it shows you're not someone who quits lightly.

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago when I was laid off from my marketing job. My claim was pending for exactly 3 weeks before it got approved. The key thing is to keep filing your weekly certifications like others mentioned - that saved me from losing any back pay. I also recommend checking your online account every few days to see if any new documents or information are requested, even though it sounds like you're already doing that. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking but layoffs due to budget cuts are usually pretty straightforward for them to verify.

I'm in a very similar boat - filed my claim 8 days ago after being laid off and still stuck in pending status. It's really frustrating not having any clear timeline or communication from NYS DOL about what's happening behind the scenes. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty normal, but that @Andre Dupont mention of claimyr.com is interesting - has anyone else tried that service to actually get through to speak with someone? The phone system seems completely overwhelmed and I'm wondering if there are better ways to get updates on claim status.