I'm in a similar boat - just finished my PFL last month and my company announced "restructuring" that eliminated several positions including mine. From what I've learned, you should definitely file immediately since there's no waiting period between PFL and UI. Make sure to get everything in writing from your employer about the position elimination - I had to request a formal letter stating my job was eliminated due to business reasons, not performance. Also, when you file online, there's a specific section where you can indicate you were on family leave, so be upfront about it. The process was actually smoother than I expected once I got all the documentation together. Hang in there!

I just want to add that you should also keep records of any communication with your employer about the position elimination, including emails or meeting notes. When I filed after my PFL ended due to a similar situation, having a paper trail really helped speed up the approval process. The NYS DOL may ask for additional documentation to verify that the job loss wasn't voluntary, so having everything organized beforehand saves time. Also, don't stress too much about the transition - the system is designed to handle these situations where people go from PFL directly to unemployment due to job elimination. You've earned those benefits through your work history, and this is exactly what the safety net is for.

I've been through this process and want to emphasize how important it is to treat your job search documentation like a business record. I keep a detailed Excel spreadsheet with columns for date, company, position, application method, contact person, and follow-up actions. What really saved me during my audit was having screenshots of job postings and confirmation emails. Also, don't overlook networking activities - I counted LinkedIn messaging with recruiters, attending virtual career workshops, and even cold-calling companies about potential openings. The NYS DOL wants to see 3 meaningful work search activities per week, so quality matters more than quantity. Make sure each activity shows you're actively pursuing employment opportunities in your field or related areas.

From my experience dealing with NYS DOL requirements, the documentation is absolutely critical. I keep a detailed log in Google Sheets that I can access from anywhere - date, company name, position title, application method, contact info, and any follow-up actions. What really helped me was also saving PDF copies of job postings since they disappear, and I screenshot my application confirmations. Don't forget that career counseling sessions, skills assessments, and even updating your resume on job boards count as valid work search activities. The 3 activities per week requirement is real, and they do random audits. I also learned that if you need to speak with someone at NYS DOL about specific requirements, calling early morning (around 8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through without waiting hours on hold. Better to be over-prepared than risk losing benefits - I've seen people have to pay everything back because they couldn't prove their job search efforts.

I'm in the same boat as you - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been dreading this moment. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though! I had absolutely no idea about the 599 training program. I've been working in hospitality management for years but honestly the whole industry feels unstable right now. The idea of using unemployment for retraining while getting extended benefits sounds like it could be exactly what I need to make a career change I've been putting off. Going to start researching approved programs tomorrow - hoping there are some business or project management courses available. Also definitely going to start those other assistance applications this week. It's frustrating how complicated the system is but at least there are still some safety nets if you know how to find them. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes this whole situation feel way less scary!

I've been following this thread closely since I'm about to hit the same wall in a few weeks. Want to add a couple things that might help based on my research so far: First, for anyone looking into the 599 training program, I found that SUNY schools tend to have the most approved programs and they're usually cheaper than private institutions. The pre-approval process requires showing that your previous occupation is in decline - gather any industry reports or news articles about layoffs in your field to strengthen your case. Second, I've been working with a career counselor at my local One-Stop Career Center (they're free!) who helped me understand that the 599 program isn't just about getting extended benefits - it's actually a solid investment in your future earning potential. She showed me data on how people who retrain during unemployment often end up in better positions than before. Also, for those mentioning gig work + partial benefits - make sure you understand the reporting requirements. You have to report ALL earnings, even cash tips, and they calculate it weekly not monthly. I almost got in trouble because I didn't realize Venmo payments from driving for Uber counted as reportable income. The system definitely sucks but there are still paths forward if you stay persistent and know where to look!

I'm in a very similar situation and this discussion has been incredibly helpful! I was laid off from my job at a nonprofit two weeks ago and have been putting off filing for unemployment because I have a small rental unit that brings in $1,200/month. I was so worried they'd consider it "work" or that it would disqualify me completely. Reading everyone's experiences about rental income being treated as passive income has really eased my anxiety. It makes perfect sense that there's a distinction between earned income from employment and passive rental income. I'm planning to file my claim tomorrow and will definitely be upfront about the rental income from the start. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to decipher the confusing official language on the NYS Department of Labor website!

I just wanted to add my experience to this incredibly helpful thread! I've been collecting unemployment benefits in NY for about 4 months now while receiving rental income from a small apartment building I own ($2,200/month total). The NYS Department of Labor has been completely fine with it - no issues whatsoever. Like everyone else has mentioned, the key is reporting it accurately on your weekly certifications under "other income." What really helped me was calling them early in the process to clarify exactly how to report it. The rep explained that as long as you're not actively managing properties as your primary business (like a full-time property manager), rental income is considered passive and won't affect your weekly benefit amount. I've been reporting it consistently for months and my benefits have never been reduced. The peace of mind from being completely transparent from day one has been worth it. To anyone still hesitating - don't wait any longer, just file and be honest about your rental income!

This is such a relief to see that you got it resolved! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - missed certifying two weeks ago because I was in the hospital and just realized my claim shows "break in claim" status. Your experience gives me hope that I can get this fixed quickly too. Did the agent ask for any specific documentation about your illness, or was mentioning the doctor's visit enough? I have my hospital discharge papers if that would help my case.

I'm dealing with a break in claim situation too and this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I missed certifying two weeks ago because I was caring for my sick elderly mother and completely forgot. Reading about everyone's experiences gives me hope that I can get this resolved. Does anyone know if caring for a family member during a medical emergency would qualify for backdating, or is it mainly just for your own medical issues? I have some documentation from her doctor visits if that would help. Planning to try calling tomorrow but wanted to see if anyone has been in a similar caregiving situation.