I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My status changed to "decision rendered" three days ago after being in adjudication since early March. I called the DOL office and while I couldn't get through to speak to anyone, the automated system did confirm that a determination has been made and that I should receive written notice within 5 business days. I've been checking both my online account documents and my physical mailbox multiple times a day. The uncertainty is absolutely killing me - I just want to know if I can finally start paying my rent again! Has anyone who got their determination letter recently noticed any pattern in timing? Like do they tend to mail them out on certain days of the week?

I'm literally going through the EXACT same thing right now! My status just changed to "decision rendered" yesterday after 8 weeks in adjudication purgatory. I've been reading every single comment here and it's both comforting and terrifying to know so many of us are in the same boat. The fact that it could go either way is making me lose sleep - I keep having nightmares about getting denied after waiting this long. I've already checked my online documents section about 20 times today and keep running to the mailbox every time I hear the mail truck. This whole system is designed to drive us insane! At least now I know to expect the letter within a few days. Sending positive vibes to everyone else waiting - we've made it this far, just have to hang in there a little longer!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Lost my main job but kept my small weekend gig. The key thing is to file your initial claim right away - don't wait. When you file, you'll report the income from BOTH jobs during your base period (the 4 quarters they use to calculate your benefits). Then each week when you certify, you report whatever you earn from your remaining catering job. The 25% reduction formula mentioned above is correct - so if you earn $200 that week, they'll reduce your benefit by $50 (25% of $200). Just make sure you're available for full-time work and actively job searching, even though you have the part-time catering gig. The NYS Department of Labor website has a partial benefits calculator that can help you estimate what you might receive.

I'm in a similar boat right now - lost my main retail job but still working a few shifts at a restaurant. From what I've learned, you definitely qualify for partial unemployment benefits in NY. The most important thing is to file your claim as soon as possible after losing your retail job, even though you're still working the catering gig. When you file, they'll look at your earnings from BOTH jobs over the past year to determine your weekly benefit amount. Then each week when you certify, you'll report your catering hours and earnings, and they'll reduce your benefit by 25% of whatever you earned that week. So if you make $150 from catering one week, they'll subtract $37.50 from your full benefit amount. Just make sure you're actively looking for work to replace that lost retail income - they'll ask about your job search activities each week. Good luck!

Just want to add that timing matters too with separation agreements and unemployment. If you're getting severance pay, that might delay when your UI benefits start even if you're approved. NYS Department of Labor has rules about how severance affects your benefit timing so make sure you understand that part too before making your decision.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and it worked out fine! The key thing to remember is that NYS Department of Labor cares more about the actual reason for separation than what the paperwork says. When I filed my claim, I was completely transparent about the separation agreement and explained that while it technically said "voluntary resignation," the reality was that my position was being eliminated due to company restructuring. The UI representative I spoke with said this happens all the time and they're used to evaluating these cases. Just make sure you have documentation of the circumstances that led to the separation agreement - like emails about budget cuts, layoff announcements, or anything showing it wasn't really your choice to leave. Also, don't forget to ask HR if you can negotiate the language in the agreement before signing - sometimes they'll add a clause acknowledging the involuntary nature of the separation which makes the UI claim much smoother.

dont overthink it just file and be honest about everything. the worst that happens is they tell u to wait a week or two

I went through this same situation a few months ago. The important thing to remember is that vacation pay is allocated to specific time periods - usually the weeks immediately following your last day of work. So if you got laid off on a Friday and have 2 weeks of vacation pay coming, that pay typically covers the next two weeks. During those weeks, you might not be eligible for unemployment benefits (depending on the amount), but after that period ends, your regular benefits should kick in. Definitely file your initial claim right away though - there's usually a waiting period anyway, and you don't want to delay the process. Just be upfront about the vacation pay situation when you do your weekly certifications.

ugh this form is SO confusing!! why does the NYS Department of Labor make it so complicated??? I've started it like 3 times and keep getting different error messages. Do I really need ALL my employers from the past year and a half?? what if I can't remember exact start dates from my part time job last spring?

Been through this process twice now with NYS Department of Labor. Pro tip - save your application as you go because the system times out. Also double check that your bank routing number is correct for direct deposit. I made a typo and had to wait weeks for a paper check.