This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm a new member here and just ran into this exact same issue today. I've been working part-time at a local clinic doing data entry, about 16-20 hours per week for the past month, and when I went to file my weekly claim this morning the system suddenly wants me to explain why I'm "no longer working" there. I literally have shifts scheduled for the rest of this week! I was completely panicking thinking I had somehow messed up my previous certifications, but reading through everyone's experiences here shows this is clearly a widespread system bug that affects anyone with variable part-time hours. It's honestly pretty shocking that NY hasn't fixed such a basic issue that impacts so many legitimate claimants. Based on all the advice here, I'm going to re-enter my employer information and select "Other" with "Still employed part-time" as the explanation. I'll also try calling to get it documented on my account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's such a relief to know this is a known glitch and not something I did wrong! This community is amazing for helping navigate these frustrating government systems.

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating glitch right now! I've been working part-time at a local pharmacy (usually 12-16 hours per week) for about 6 weeks, and today when I went to file my weekly certification, the system suddenly wants me to provide employer information again and explain why I'm "no longer working" there. I'm literally working there tomorrow! This thread has been such a lifesaver - I was starting to panic thinking I had somehow messed up my previous filings or that there was an issue with my employer's reporting. It's both reassuring and infuriating to see that this is clearly a widespread system bug affecting anyone with variable part-time schedules. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to re-enter my employer info and select "Other" with "Still employed part-time" as the explanation. I'll also try calling to get it documented on my account like others have suggested. It's honestly ridiculous that the NY unemployment system can't handle basic part-time work scenarios that are super common nowadays, but at least this community is helping us all figure out the workarounds! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - you're all helping fellow New Yorkers navigate this broken system!

Just so you know, there's also the state's unclaimed property database but that's for completely different stuff - like old paychecks or forgotten bank accounts. Unemployment benefits that you never claimed don't automatically go there. You have to work directly with NYS Department of Labor to recover any missed weekly certifications.

I went through something similar in 2022 and here's what I learned: you need to gather all your employment documentation from that time period before you call. Have your original claim confirmation, any correspondence from DOL, and proof of when you returned to work. The retroactive claim process requires you to prove you were unemployed and actively seeking work during those specific weeks. Also, make sure you're within the time limits - I think it's usually within 1 year of your benefit year end date, but double-check that. The sooner you start this process the better because it can take months to resolve.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand your weekly benefit amount calculation before those 26 weeks start ticking by. Your benefit is based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). I made the mistake of not checking this when I first applied and was surprised my weekly amount was lower than expected because I had switched jobs mid-year. Also, don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income - you can have taxes withheld or you'll owe when you file your return. Better to know this upfront than get hit with a big tax bill later!

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this whole process last year. The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're being picky about jobs (which I was at first). I ended up finding work in week 23, so I got lucky. One thing that really helped me was setting up job alerts on multiple sites and treating job searching like a full-time job itself - spending at least 4-5 hours a day on applications, networking, and following up. Also, don't forget that you can appeal decisions if NYS DOL denies or reduces your benefits for any reason. I had to appeal once when they said I wasn't actively searching, even though I was. The appeal process took a few weeks but I got my benefits reinstated. Stay organized with your job search records and don't give up!

ugh the restaurant industry is so unpredictable with hours... hope things pick up for you soon

I'm in a similar situation with my hours being cut at my retail job. One thing I learned is that you should apply as soon as possible because there's usually a waiting week before benefits start. Also, keep detailed records of your work schedule and pay stubs - NYS Department of Labor may ask for documentation to verify your reduced hours. The partial unemployment really does help bridge the gap when you're dealing with unpredictable scheduling. Good luck with your application!

Thanks everyone! I'm going to file my claim this week. Hopefully the process isn't too complicated for partial benefits.

Good luck with your claim! Just a heads up - make sure you have all your employment documentation ready when you file. NYS DOL will want to verify your previous earnings to calculate your benefit amount. Keep copies of recent pay stubs and be prepared to provide your employer's information. The online application walks you through everything step by step, so it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. The hardest part is just getting through if you need to call them with questions!