I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now - my daycare provider quit with zero notice and I'm scrambling to find someone reliable. What really helped me was reaching out to local Facebook mom groups and Nextdoor to see if anyone had emergency babysitter recommendations. I also called 211 (New York's helpline) and they gave me a list of emergency childcare resources I didn't even know existed. Some of them offer temporary care while you're searching for permanent solutions. It might buy you some time to keep your job while you figure things out. And definitely start documenting everything now - screenshot your job postings on care.com, save emails from potential sitters, everything. Even if you don't end up needing unemployment, having that paper trail shows you're being proactive about solving the problem.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's one of those situations where you're stuck between impossible choices. I went through something similar when my mom (who was my regular childcare) had a medical emergency and couldn't watch my kids anymore. What really saved me was being completely transparent with my supervisor about the situation and asking for help brainstorming solutions. Some things that might help: check if your company has any partnership with backup childcare services (some do through their benefits), look into local YMCA or community center drop-in programs, and consider reaching out to other parents at local playgrounds or schools who might know reliable sitters. Also, document EVERYTHING you're doing to find care - save screenshots of your care.com searches, keep records of calls you make, even save rejection emails from potential sitters. If you do get fired and have to file for unemployment, having that paper trail showing you were actively working to solve the problem rather than just ignoring it will be crucial for your claim. The fact that your regular babysitter moved away is completely out of your control, which should work in your favor. Stay strong - this situation won't last forever even though it feels overwhelming right now.

The unemployment rate stuff is all political anyway. They manipulate the numbers to make things look better than they are. I've been looking for work for 4 months and there's nothing out there that pays decent wages.

Just wanted to add that even though NY's unemployment rate is relatively low at 4.2%, don't let that discourage you from your search. The rate measures people actively looking for work, but it doesn't capture underemployment or people who've given up searching. Keep documenting those 3 weekly job contacts properly - I learned the hard way that they do spot-check compliance. Also, start thinking about backup plans for after week 26 since extended benefits are unlikely with current rates. Maybe look into workforce development programs or training opportunities that might be available through your local One-Stop Career Center while you're still collecting.

File ASAP and be honest about everything. The adjudication process will review all the facts. If you can show the car problems were legitimate and you tried to address them, you have a good shot at approval.

I went through something similar a few months ago - got fired for attendance due to public transit delays that were completely out of my control. NYS DOL approved my claim after about 3 weeks of review. The key things that helped me were: 1) I documented every incident with timestamps and photos of delayed train notifications, 2) I showed I had notified my supervisor each time I was going to be late, and 3) I had a generally good work record otherwise. Since you mentioned car troubles, definitely gather those mechanic receipts and any texts/emails you sent to your boss about the situation. The fact that you worked there for 2 years with no other issues will definitely work in your favor. Good luck!

The NYS Department of Labor system is so broken. They make you jump through hoops even when you deserve benefits. I got fired for 'performance issues' which was basically my boss not liking me, and they still made me wait 6 weeks while they 'investigated.' Meanwhile bills don't stop coming. Good luck dealing with their bureaucracy.

I went through something similar when I got let go for attendance issues last year. The NYS Department of Labor will review your case individually - they look at whether you had good cause for the absences and if your employer followed their progressive discipline policy. Since you have documentation of car trouble, make sure to gather any repair receipts or records showing when your vehicle broke down. Also check if your employer has a written attendance policy - sometimes they don't follow their own procedures which can work in your favor. File your claim as soon as possible because even if approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

This is so frustrating and unfortunately way too common. I've been dealing with the same issue for about a month now trying to get answers about my benefit calculation. What's worked for me is calling multiple times throughout the day - sometimes I get lucky around 2-3pm when maybe some people have given up calling. Also try the Spanish line if you speak Spanish, sometimes it's less busy. I know it shouldn't be this hard but don't give up! Your benefits are important and you deserve to get the help you need.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying to reach them for over a month about a hold on my account that's preventing me from certifying for benefits. It's absolutely maddening - the automated system just keeps cycling you through the same useless menu options before hanging up. I've tried calling at 8am sharp, different times throughout the day, even tried the technical support line hoping they could transfer me. Nothing works. Meanwhile my rent is due and I'm supposed to just wait indefinitely? The system is completely broken and it feels like they're deliberately making it impossible to get help. Really considering the Claimyr service that Ethan mentioned because I'm running out of options here.