Don't panic! I literally did the exact same thing two weeks ago - went out with friends on Sunday and completely forgot to certify until Monday morning. I was so stressed thinking I'd lost a week of benefits! But everyone here is right - you have until Saturday at midnight to certify for the previous week. I logged in Monday afternoon and it went through perfectly fine. My payment was maybe delayed by one day but that was it. The NY system actually expects people to miss Sunday sometimes, which is why they give you the full week. Just make sure you don't let an entire week pass without certifying because then you'd have to call (and good luck with that!). Set up multiple phone reminders - I now have one for Sunday morning and another for Wednesday just in case. Trust me, this won't affect your claim at all!

You're absolutely fine! I've missed Sunday certification more times than I can count and it's never been an issue. You have until Saturday at 11:59 PM to certify for the previous week, so you've got plenty of time. Just log into the NY unemployment website and certify like normal - your payment might be delayed by a day or two but you won't lose any money. I actually prefer certifying on weekdays now because the website runs way smoother than Sunday mornings when everyone's trying to access it at once. Definitely set up a recurring reminder on your phone though - I have mine set for Sunday at 9 AM and it's been a lifesaver. The NY system is stressful enough without adding unnecessary panic about missing deadlines!

I went through this same situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: Start with the online application at labor.ny.gov early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when the system is less busy. Have your last employer's info ready including exact dates of employment and your final pay stub. If you get stuck on any questions, you can save your progress and come back to it later. The phone lines are brutal right now - I spent literally days trying to get through. Focus on getting your initial claim filed online first, then worry about calling if you run into specific issues later. The key is establishing your claim date so you don't lose any potential benefits while figuring out the details.

I was in the exact same boat a couple months ago - lost my job suddenly and panicked about getting unemployment started. Here's what I learned: definitely go the online route first at labor.ny.gov. The phone system is absolutely brutal right now. I'd recommend trying to file between 6-8 AM when the servers aren't as overwhelmed. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and gross wages). Don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect - you can make corrections later if needed. The most important thing is getting your claim filed to establish your benefit year start date. Once that's done, you can deal with any issues that come up. The weekly certification can be done online or by phone, and that's usually much easier than the initial filing. Hang in there - it's overwhelming at first but once you get through the initial application it gets much more manageable!

I'm so sorry you had to experience that kind of treatment, Harold. It's absolutely unacceptable for any unemployment agent to speak to you in such a demeaning way, especially when you're already in a vulnerable situation. Reading through all the helpful advice people have shared here, it sounds like you took exactly the right steps by filing that formal complaint with the Advocate Office. I wanted to add that if you're still feeling shaken up from this experience, don't feel like you have to rush into any follow-up calls about your claim right away. Take the time you need to recover from this emotionally. When you do need to call back for claim-related issues, you can always start the conversation by saying something like "I'd like to make sure we have a productive conversation today" - this sometimes helps set a more professional tone from the beginning. Also, keep in mind that the recording of your original call will be key evidence in your complaint. The fact that they have that recording means there's no question about what actually happened - it's not just your word against the agent's. You showed real strength by standing up for yourself and following through with reporting this behavior. Hopefully your case will help prevent other people from having to go through the same awful experience.

I'm so sorry you went through this Harold, but I'm really proud of you for following through with filing that complaint! As someone who works in state government (different agency), I can tell you that recorded calls are taken very seriously when complaints are filed, especially when there are specific details like you provided. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful for you or others - if you ever need to call back about your claim and you're feeling anxious about potentially getting another difficult agent, you can ask right at the beginning of the call to have the interaction documented as "sensitive" due to your previous negative experience. Most agencies have protocols for handling cases where someone has had prior issues with staff behavior. Also, don't feel bad about crying or getting emotional during that call. That agent was completely out of line, and your reaction was totally normal for someone being treated so poorly. The fact that you've turned this awful experience into action by filing a complaint shows real resilience. I hope you get a good resolution from your complaint, and please don't let one terrible agent discourage you from pursuing the benefits you're entitled to. Most public employees really do want to help, even if this one didn't represent that at all.

I actually had my NYS DOL unemployment hearing last month where my employer was a no-show, so I can share what actually happened. The hearing officer started right on time and explained that they would proceed without the employer. They put me under oath over the phone (you just verbally affirm that you'll tell the truth) and then spent about 45 minutes asking very detailed questions about my termination. Even though my employer wasn't there, the judge had their written contest statement and asked me to respond to each specific allegation they had made. They wanted exact dates, times, witnesses present, what was said, etc. I had to walk through company policies, any prior warnings, and my understanding of why I was fired. The judge was professional and neutral - not hostile, but definitely thorough. I got my decision in writing about 10 days later and won my case. My advice: prepare like they're going to show up, bring/have ready any supporting documents, and be completely honest about what happened. The no-show actually worked in my favor because they couldn't present new evidence or challenge my testimony directly.

I can add some perspective as someone who works in HR and has been involved in several unemployment hearings from the employer side. When we don't attend hearings, it's usually because we know our case is weak or we don't have sufficient documentation to prove misconduct. The administrative law judge will absolutely still conduct a thorough hearing with you - they're required to make a decision based on all available evidence, which includes whatever your employer submitted initially. Don't let your guard down though. Even without them present, you need to be prepared to address their allegations point by point with specific examples and dates. The judge may ask follow-up questions that challenge your version of events, not because they don't believe you, but because they need to ensure they have all the facts. Having been on both sides of this process, I'd say your chances improve significantly when the employer is a no-show, but preparation is still key to a successful outcome.

Your supervisor was definitely wrong - Amazon pays unemployment taxes to NYS Department of Labor just like every other employer in New York. I went through this exact situation 8 months ago when I got terminated from the Amazon facility in Albany. Filed my claim online and received my first payment about 3 weeks later. The key is to apply immediately since there's a waiting week, and make sure you select "discharged/terminated" as your separation reason rather than "quit." Keep all your pay stubs and any termination paperwork handy in case NYS DOL needs documentation during their review process. Don't let them discourage you from claiming benefits you've rightfully earned through your work!

Amazon absolutely pays unemployment taxes to NYS Department of Labor - there's no way around it for any employer in New York. I think your supervisor was either misinformed or trying to discourage you from filing. I worked at an Amazon warehouse upstate for about a year before getting let go, and I received my unemployment benefits without any major issues. The process took about 2-3 weeks for my first payment after filing online at my.ny.gov. Just make sure you file as soon as possible since there's a waiting period, and have all your employment documentation ready including start/end dates and reason for termination. Even if they try to contest it during adjudication, you have the right to appeal. Don't let them intimidate you out of benefits you've earned!