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.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Rita! I just went through something similar last month and it was absolutely maddening. One thing that worked for me was trying to remember the exact device and browser I used when I first created my account back in 2020. I realized I had set it up on my old laptop using Safari, and somehow when I switched to using Chrome on my new computer, certain characters weren't displaying the same way. Also, if you originally created your account during the early pandemic chaos, you might have been using a different keyboard or even borrowed someone else's computer - I actually had to recreate the exact conditions of how I first entered the info. It sounds crazy but the NY system is just that broken. The other thing that helped was writing down every single variation I tried so I wouldn't repeat them. Don't give up - you're so close to figuring this out! 🤞

Rita, I feel your frustration so much! I had almost the identical issue a few months ago and it drove me absolutely crazy. After weeks of trying everything, I discovered that when I originally created my account during the 2020 pandemic rush, I had accidentally included a middle initial that I didn't realize. So instead of just entering "Johnson" I had somehow typed "Johnson M" or something like that. The system was looking for that exact match including the extra character I'd forgotten about. Try thinking about whether you might have included any middle initials, prefixes, or suffixes when you first set up the account. Also, if you have any old confirmation emails from when you first registered, those might give you clues about exactly what information you provided. I know it's incredibly stressful especially with your benefits timeline, but hang in there - once you find the right combination it'll work instantly. You've got this! 💪

wait so if the pay is lower you can refuse? I thought once you're on unemployment you have to take whatever is offered or lose benefits

I went through something very similar a few months ago. NYS Department of Labor considers several factors for "suitable work" including the wage compared to your previous job, travel distance, and whether you have the skills/experience for the position. A 45-minute commute each way plus $3/hour less pay would likely be valid reasons to decline, especially if you're still early in your benefit period. When I declined a similar offer, I made sure to document everything - the job details, why it wasn't suitable, and continued my active job search. I didn't face any penalties. The key is being able to justify your decision if they ask during your certification calls.

To answer the earlier question about timing - the standards typically begin to relax after 13-16 weeks, with more significant changes around week 20-26. However, this can vary based on local unemployment rates and your specific circumstances. The important thing is to keep detailed records and continue your active job search. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's worth consulting with your local workforce development office before declining.

Thanks for all this helpful info everyone! I'm in a similar spot at week 16 and just want to add - make sure you're also documenting any training or certification programs you might be doing to improve your qualifications. NYS Department of Labor sometimes views this favorably when evaluating whether you're making reasonable efforts to find suitable work. I started an online logistics certification course and mentioned it when they questioned why I turned down a retail job that was way below my skill level. Also, if you're a union member, check if they have any guidance on suitable work requirements - mine had some really specific advice about what constitutes comparable work in our industry.

Also remember you can collect for up to 26 weeks in NY (longer if there are extensions), and you need to do the weekly job search requirements. Make sure you keep track of your job applications because they can ask for proof at any time.

Just wanted to add that if you're in marketing like Wesley, you might want to look into freelance or contract work while collecting benefits. In NY, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit rate without it affecting your unemployment payments. So with a $504 weekly benefit, you could earn about $126 per week from side work. This can help bridge the gap financially while you're job hunting. Just make sure to report any earnings when you do your weekly certification.