This thread has been so helpful! I'm in a similar situation - worked in NY but live in Connecticut, been collecting NY unemployment since December. Reading everyone's experiences has made it crystal clear that I need to file the NY IT-203 non-resident return. One question I haven't seen addressed - does the amount of time you worked in NY during the qualifying period matter for tax purposes? I only worked in NY for about 8 months before getting laid off, but my unemployment claim is based on those NY wages. I'm assuming I still owe NY state tax on the full unemployment amount regardless of how long I worked there, but wanted to double-check. Also want to echo what others said about the NY websites being confusing - I spent hours trying to find clear information before finding this discussion. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real-world experiences, especially the specific form numbers and publication references. Makes me feel much more confident about handling this correctly!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - living in New Jersey but receiving NY unemployment benefits since getting laid off in January. After reading through all these responses, I'm relieved to finally have a clear answer! It sounds like the consensus is definitely that I need to file the NY IT-203 non-resident return and pay NY state tax on the unemployment benefits, then claim a credit on my NJ return to avoid double taxation. The specific references to NY Tax Law Section 631 and Publication 140 are super helpful - I'll definitely look those up. One thing I'm curious about - for those who have been through this process, roughly how long did it take to get your NY refund (if any) processed? I'm wondering if I should file NY first and wait for that to be processed before filing my NJ return, or if it's okay to file both at the same time. Also really appreciate the tip about Claimyr for getting through to the tax department - I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck. After reading about that audit situation, I definitely want to make sure I handle this correctly from the start. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

The wage requirements change every year but for 2025 you need at least $2,700 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount. Since you're still employed part-time, you'll file for partial benefits and your weekly benefit will be reduced by a portion of what you earn each week. Make sure to report all work and earnings accurately on your weekly claims or you could face an overpayment.

I went through something similar when my hours got cut at my job last year. The key thing to remember is you need to file your claim as soon as your hours are reduced - don't wait! You can apply online at labor.ny.gov and the system will walk you through determining if you meet the wage requirements based on your work history. Since you've been working 8 months you should have enough quarters of work. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims that you report exactly how many hours you worked and how much you earned that week. The system will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount. Also keep records of your job search activities because they do audit that requirement.

I was in a similar situation last year when my hours got slashed at a clothing store. The partial unemployment really helped bridge the gap! One thing I'd add is to apply as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting week before benefits start. Also, keep detailed records of your work schedule and pay stubs - NYS Department of Labor might ask for verification. The online filing system is pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application. Hang in there, it does get easier to manage once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims!

I went through this exact same thing when my hours got cut at a grocery store! You definitely qualify for partial benefits since it wasn't your fault your hours were reduced. One tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure to mention that your hours were involuntarily reduced from full-time to part-time. That helps establish that you're not voluntarily working part-time. The weekly certification process becomes pretty routine once you get used to it. Also, don't forget that you still need to be actively looking for work and report your job search activities. The partial benefits really saved me when I was in your situation - hopefully it helps you make rent next month!

The NYS Department of Labor website is terrible for explaining this stuff clearly. I had to call three times before someone explained that Sunday certification is for EVERYONE, not just certain benefit types. They really need better instructions on their site.

One thing that helped me was setting a phone reminder for every Sunday morning. I usually do mine around 8 AM after the system opens at 7:30 AM. The website can get slow later in the day when everyone is trying to certify. Also keep your work search log handy because they'll ask about any job applications or interviews you had during the week.

Thanks everyone for the clarification! I was so confused because I had read some old information about calling in. The online system through my.ny.gov sounds much easier. Just to make sure I understand - my benefit week runs Sunday to Saturday, so I can certify anytime starting Sunday at 6 AM for the week that just ended? And I need to make sure I have my 3 job search activities documented before I certify?

One tip I wish someone had told me when I started - set a reminder on your phone for Sunday mornings! I got into the habit of doing my weekly certification right after I have my coffee on Sunday. It becomes routine after a few weeks. Also, if you ever have technical issues with the my.ny.gov portal, try clearing your browser cache or switching browsers. The site can be a bit finicky sometimes but usually works fine once you get the hang of it.