One more thing to keep in mind - the timing can be really important! Unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor usually start paying within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim, but cash assistance can take much longer to process (sometimes 30-45 days). So definitely get your unemployment application in ASAP since you just lost your job last week. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start getting those benefits. And don't wait to apply for cash assistance either if you think you might qualify - even if the unemployment reduces what you get, having both applications in the system means you'll get help as soon as possible. Also, make sure to keep all your documentation organized because both programs might ask for additional paperwork later on.

Just wanted to emphasize something that might help with the confusion - think of unemployment benefits as insurance that you've already "paid into" through your previous jobs (your employer paid unemployment insurance taxes on your behalf), while cash assistance is more like emergency welfare for families in crisis. That's why unemployment from NYS Department of Labor focuses on your work history and wages, while cash assistance looks at your current financial situation and family size. Also, unemployment benefits are temporary (usually 26 weeks in NY) and designed to bridge you to your next job, while cash assistance can potentially last longer if you continue to meet the strict eligibility requirements. Hope this helps clarify the fundamental difference between these two safety net programs!

just file online its super easy compared to calling

I went through this exact situation a few months ago - got laid off suddenly and panicked about not having official paperwork. Filed my claim that same day with just the basic info (employer name, address, last work date) and it went smoothly. The NYS Department of Labor system walks you through everything step by step. Your employer will get notified automatically and they'll handle the verification process. The most important thing is getting your claim date established - you can't backdate benefits, so definitely don't wait!

Thanks everyone for the info! Sounds like I need to focus on the disability benefits route instead of unemployment. I'll check with my HR department tomorrow about what forms I need to fill out. Hopefully I can get something started soon because these bills aren't going to wait for me to heal up.

Just wanted to add that if your back injury happened at work (which it sounds like it did since you mentioned it was from your warehouse job), you should definitely look into filing a workers' compensation claim in addition to the disability benefits. Workers' comp can cover your medical expenses and provide wage replacement while you're recovering. You can file a workers' comp claim even if you're still technically employed. The process is separate from both unemployment and regular disability benefits, and since it was a work-related injury, you might be entitled to more comprehensive coverage. Your employer should have provided you with the necessary forms when you reported the injury.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and can definitely relate to the confusion! You're absolutely on the right track with reopening your existing claim - those 8 unused weeks are still there and you don't want to lose them by filing a new application. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Make sure you have all your temp job details ready before you begin: exact start and end dates, employer's full name and address, total gross wages earned, and reason for separation. When they ask why you stopped filing, be completely honest that you took temporary work expecting it to become permanent but it didn't work out. That's a totally valid reason and won't cause any issues with your claim. The reopen process typically takes 5-10 business days, and you'll get a determination letter in your online message center once approved. One crucial tip - file your weekly certification the moment your account becomes active again after approval. Don't wait for any paperwork or letters. I made that mistake and ended up missing a week of benefits. Your weekly benefit amount will stay the same as before since you're reopening, not starting a new claim. The system handles these temporary work gaps all the time, so try not to stress too much about it!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just submitted my reopen application yesterday after stopping claims in December for a temp position that ended last month. Reading through all these experiences is so reassuring - I was really worried I'd lost my remaining benefits by taking that job. One thing I want to add that might help others: when you're gathering your employment documents, don't forget to include any separation paperwork from the temp job if you have it. My temp agency gave me a "completion of assignment" letter that clearly stated the temporary nature of the work, which I included with my reopen application. I figured it couldn't hurt to have that extra documentation showing it wasn't a voluntary quit situation. Fingers crossed my reopen goes as smoothly as everyone else's! The consistency in everyone's advice about being completely transparent and having all details ready beforehand really gives me confidence this will work out.

Just want to add that if you do qualify for both, you'll need to report your disability payments when you file your weekly unemployment claims. NYS Department of Labor needs to know about all income sources.

I'm going through a similar situation right now and from what I've learned, the key is getting a clear statement from your doctor about what type of work you can do with your disability. NYS Department of Labor told me they need documentation showing you're "able and available" for some type of work, even if it's limited. Since your doctor mentioned light work, that could actually work in your favor. I'd suggest getting a detailed letter from them specifying what kind of work activities you can handle - like sitting vs standing, lifting limits, hours per day, etc. That way you can show you're genuinely seeking work within your capabilities while still maintaining your disability benefits for the limitations you do have.