To clarify the main points: 1) You can file for unemployment if you're able/available for work within your restrictions, 2) You must report workers comp income on weekly claims, 3) There will likely be an offset reducing your UI benefit, 4) Still worth filing to protect your claim status. Make sure you have medical documentation of your work capabilities before applying.

I'm going through something similar right now! Just wanted to add that when you call NYS Department of Labor, try calling right when they open at 8 AM - you'll have a much better chance of getting through. Also, keep detailed records of all your medical appointments and work search activities because they may ask for proof later. The offset rules can be confusing but the main thing is establishing your claim early so you don't lose out on benefits when your workers comp situation changes. Good luck with your recovery!

This whole system is BROKEN. I had a similar issue and spent WEEKS trying to talk to someone. When I finally got through, they admitted it was their error but still made me pay it back. New York unemployment is a joke.

Ugh, this is so stressful! I went through something similar last year. They will definitely take the full $220 unless you call them first to set up a payment plan. I learned this the hard way when they took my entire weekly payment to cover an overpayment. The key is to be proactive - call them BEFORE you certify next week. I know the phone lines are terrible, but you really need to speak to someone if you want to avoid getting hit with the full amount all at once. Document everything and be prepared to explain your financial situation if you need a payment plan. Good luck!

I'm glad you've submitted the hardship waiver. While waiting for the response, you might also want to request an explanation of the overpayment if you haven't received one. Call or check your online message center for a document explaining exactly which week(s) were overpaid and why. Sometimes it's a simple reporting error that can be corrected. And yes, to reassure you again - your benefits will continue with the recoupment deduction applied until the overpayment is satisfied. If your hardship waiver is approved, you'll see the deduction amount decrease in future payments.

Just wanted to add that you can also check your NY.gov account online to see the exact breakdown of your overpayment determination. Sometimes they show week-by-week details there that aren't clear in the mailed notices. Also, if you do end up calling, try calling right at 8am when they open - that's when I've had the best luck getting through to someone who can actually help explain what happened. Good luck with your hardship waiver!

Wait, I thought FUTA was something we paid as employees? I've been so confused about all these unemployment taxes. My adjudication has been going on for a month and nobody at NYS Department of Labor will explain anything to me!

The whole unemployment tax system is such a mess. Employers are supposed to pay FUTA but half of them don't even understand their obligations. Then when workers need benefits, we're the ones who suffer from their incompetence.

I'm dealing with the EXACT same issue right now! Been trying for 3 days straight with my Chase account and getting that same error message every single time. It's so frustrating because I know the routing number (121000497) and account number are 100% correct - I've checked them against my checks, online banking, even called Chase to verify. The most annoying part is that the error message makes it sound like there's something wrong with my account type, but it's just a regular checking account I've had for years. I've used this same account for direct deposit with other employers without any issues. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like calling the unemployment office is really the only solution, even though getting through seems nearly impossible. I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned since I literally cannot afford to spend 3+ hours on hold every day trying to get through. Has anyone had success just waiting it out? Like, does the system sometimes randomly start accepting the same routing number after a few days? Or is this definitely something that requires human intervention to fix?

I'm having this EXACT same problem right now! Also with Chase, same routing number (121000497), and I've been banging my head against the wall for days. I even went to a Chase branch yesterday and had them print out my account details to triple-check everything - all correct, but the NY DOL system just keeps spitting back that same "traditional checking account" error. What's really getting to me is that this is literally the same account I use for my payroll direct deposit from my part-time job, so I know it works fine for electronic transfers. The NY unemployment system is just completely broken. I'm probably going to try calling Chase tomorrow to ask about the ACH routing number that @Zainab Ahmed mentioned, but honestly after reading all these horror stories about 3+ hour hold times, I might just bite the bullet and use that Claimyr service. At this point I'd rather pay a small fee than lose my sanity trying to get through to an actual human at the unemployment office. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not going crazy and this really is a widespread system issue!