I went through something similar last year. In my case, it was triggered because there was a discrepancy between what I reported as my last day of work and what my employer reported to the state. Even though it was just a one-day difference (I worked a partial day but reported the full day), it flagged the system for review. The investigation took about 2-3 weeks, but once I provided my final pay stub showing the exact dates and hours worked, everything was cleared up. Just make sure you respond to their requests promptly and provide exactly what they're asking for - don't send extra documentation that wasn't requested as it can sometimes slow things down.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - got my investigation letter about 2 weeks ago. From what I've learned talking to others who've been through it, the most common triggers are employer contests (especially around the reason for separation), wage discrepancies between what you reported and what your employer reported, or sometimes just random quality control audits. The key thing is to respond quickly with exactly what they're asking for. I submitted my termination paperwork and pay stubs within 3 days of getting the letter. Still waiting to hear back but my case worker told me most investigations wrap up within 2-4 weeks if there are no major issues. Keep certifying your weekly claims even during the investigation - you might not get paid immediately but you won't lose those weeks if everything gets approved.

Just wanted to chime in with my experience - I've filed for unemployment three different times over the past five years with NYS Department of Labor and never had any issues with limits or waiting periods. The key thing is making sure you meet the work requirements each time. I'd recommend filing your new claim online as soon as possible since there can be a waiting week before benefits start, and the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also, keep good records of your work history and pay stubs - it makes the application process much smoother when you have all the documentation ready.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, the NYS system will automatically determine which base period gives you the highest benefit amount - either the standard base period or an alternate base period that includes more recent earnings. This can be really beneficial if you worked consistently during those 8 months between claims. Also, don't forget that you can usually start certifying for benefits the week after you file your initial claim, even if there's a waiting week. The online system at labor.ny.gov makes it pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application.

I actually work in benefits administration (not for NYS specifically) and wanted to clarify something important that hasn't been fully addressed here. The timing of when your disability began versus when you were receiving unemployment is crucial. If you become disabled AFTER you started receiving unemployment benefits, there's typically a grace period where you can continue receiving UI while pursuing disability - but you must report the change in your condition during your weekly certifications. The problem arises if you were already disabled when you applied for unemployment but didn't disclose it. I'd strongly recommend calling NYS Department of Labor AND consulting with a disability attorney before making any moves. Document everything with your doctor too - you'll need medical evidence of when your condition worsened if there are any questions later.

I just wanted to add one more important point that might help everyone here. If you do decide to apply for disability while on unemployment, make sure to keep detailed records of every conversation you have with NYS Department of Labor, including dates, times, and the name of whoever you spoke with. Also save any emails or written correspondence. I've seen situations where people got conflicting information from different representatives, and having documentation helped resolve issues later. Additionally, if your doctor is recommending disability, ask them to put in writing exactly when your condition became severe enough to prevent work - this timeline documentation could be crucial if there are any overpayment disputes down the road. The system is definitely confusing, but being proactive about documentation can really protect you.

This thread has been absolutely incredible! As someone who's been putting off filing for unemployment because I wasn't sure about my eligibility as a part-time student worker, reading everyone's detailed experiences and tips has given me the confidence to move forward. I wanted to add one more resource that might help others: if you're still unsure after reading all these great tips, many college career services offices have staff who are familiar with unemployment benefits for students. They might not be experts, but they often have basic guidance and can sometimes connect you with alumni or other students who've been through the process. Also, for anyone keeping track of job search activities, I've found that setting up Google alerts for job postings in your field can help you stay on top of opportunities and gives you concrete evidence of active job searching when you need to report it. Thank you especially to @Yuki Tanaka for asking the original question - this whole conversation has been a masterclass in navigating NY unemployment as a student! And huge thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences, phone tips, and resource recommendations. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes these overwhelming government processes actually manageable.

Wow, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who's been in a similar boat (part-time student worker unsure about unemployment eligibility), I'm amazed by how much practical knowledge has been shared here. I especially appreciate all the specific timing and phone navigation tips - the 7:58 AM Tuesday/Wednesday strategy and mentioning "Student Claimant" upfront seem like real game-changers. The fact that multiple people have had success with these approaches gives me confidence they're not just lucky coincidences. One thing I'd add for future readers: if you're documenting your job search activities (which seems crucial based on everyone's experiences), consider using the NYSDOL's own job search platform NY.gov/jobs. Using their official system creates a built-in record of your search efforts that they can easily verify if needed. Also, for anyone still on the fence about calling - this thread has shown that while the phone system is frustrating, the actual agents are generally knowledgeable and helpful once you get through to the right person. The key seems to be preparation and using these insider tips to navigate the system efficiently. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences here. This community has turned what seemed like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into a clear, actionable plan. That's the power of people helping people!

Just went through this same situation with my partner last month! The key thing is to definitely keep filing and report the severance under "other income" when you certify. What helped us was calling it exactly what it is - "severance pay" in the description field. NY DOL is pretty good about calculating how it affects your weekly benefit amount automatically once you report it properly. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: if the severance was paid as a lump sum, they typically spread it out over the weeks it was meant to cover (like if it was 4 weeks severance, they divide it by 4). But if you're not sure how they calculate it, definitely worth getting someone on the phone to clarify. The main thing is just be transparent about it. I know the forms can be confusing, but it's way better to over-report than under-report with this stuff. Your spouse is smart to ask questions rather than just wing it! Keep all the paperwork from the severance too - you'll probably need it if they ever do a review of the claim later on.

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - definitely report the severance! I made the mistake of not reporting mine right away when I first got laid off because I wasn't sure if it counted as "income" since it was technically from my old job. Big mistake! The DOL caught it during their quarterly wage crosscheck (they match up with employers) and I had to pay back like $800 in overpayments. Plus they hit me with a penalty week where I couldn't collect at all. Not fun. The good news is that once I started reporting everything properly, the process was actually pretty smooth. They have a specific field for severance/separation pay when you certify, and the system automatically calculates how it affects your weekly benefit. Pro tip: if the severance amount seems like it's going to wipe out your benefits for several weeks, you might want to call and ask about "allocation" - sometimes they can spread it out differently depending on how your employer structured it. But honestly, the phone wait times are brutal, so only do that if you're talking about a really big severance package. Your spouse is being smart by asking first. Better to be cautious with this stuff than deal with the headache later! 👍