Just remember to file your claim immediately even if you're not sure about eligibility. You can always appeal if they deny you, but you can't get back pay for weeks you didn't file. The worst that happens is they say no, but based on what you're describing, you have a good chance of approval.

I went through something similar last year - got fired for what they called "policy violations" but it was really just personality conflicts with my supervisor. The NYS Department of Labor investigation was actually pretty thorough and fair. They looked at all the documentation I provided and ultimately approved my claim because they determined it wasn't misconduct. The key is being completely honest in your application and having any documentation ready (like those sick call records you mentioned). Don't let your former employer intimidate you - file that claim ASAP and let the state make the determination. You've got rights as a worker!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! My Chase account got flagged last month and they rejected my unemployment payment. Got the Key2Benefits card about 10 days ago but it's showing zero balance too. Reading through everyone's responses here, it sounds like there's almost always some kind of hold that they don't tell you about. I'm going to try that special Key2Benefits number someone mentioned (1-855-203-3823) tomorrow morning. If that doesn't work, I might have to try one of those callback services people are talking about. This whole system is so broken - they make it nearly impossible to get help when you need your benefits the most. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least now I know I'm not alone in this mess!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! My TD Bank account got frozen in early January and they rejected my unemployment payment. Got my Key2Benefits card last week but it's showing zero balance just like yours. Reading all these comments, it's clear this is a super common issue that NY unemployment just doesn't properly communicate to people. The fact that there are automatic "security holds" that they don't tell you about is infuriating - especially when people are already struggling to pay bills! I'm definitely going to try calling that Key2Benefits specific number (1-855-203-3823) that someone mentioned, and if that doesn't work I might have to bite the bullet and use one of those callback services. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get money we're legally entitled to. Thanks for posting about this - at least now I know there are solutions even if the system is completely broken.

Final update: I finally got through to someone! The agent explained that because I had worked and earned enough since my last claim, I was eligible for a new claim even though my benefit year wasn't over. They had to manually override something in the system to let me file a new claim. My weekly benefit amount is higher now too because I was making more at my recent job. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with something similar right now - got laid off last week and the system won't let me file a new claim. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like calling directly is the way to go when the website gets stuck in these loops. @Donna Cline glad you got it sorted out! Did you end up using the callback service or were you able to get through on the regular phone line?

My 16-year-old just went through this exact process last month after getting laid off from a local pizza place. The application itself is pretty straightforward, but I'd suggest gathering all her documents first - pay stubs, Social Security card, and any work permits. One thing that really helped us was creating an email dedicated just for her unemployment correspondence since they send a lot of updates and requests for information. Also, don't stress too much about the wage credit calculation - the system automatically figures that out based on what employers reported. The hardest part was honestly just getting her motivated to do the required job searches each week, but once she got into a routine it became second nature. The benefits weren't huge given her part-time hours, but it definitely helped cover some of her expenses while she found her next job. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions about the process!

Just wanted to add something that might be helpful - make sure your daughter understands that if she receives unemployment benefits, she'll need to report them on her tax return next year. At 16, this might be her first experience with taxes beyond what was withheld from her restaurant paychecks. The unemployment benefits are considered taxable income at both federal and state levels. You can choose to have taxes withheld from her weekly benefit payments (though the amount will be small), or just set aside money to pay when she files. It's not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind so there are no surprises come tax time!

I've been through the NY unemployment system twice (2023 and 2024) and learned the hard way about documentation. Here's my current system that's bulletproof: 1. **Weekly folder structure**: I create a new folder each week labeled "Week of [date]" with subfolders for applications, confirmations, and follow-ups. 2. **Real-time logging**: I fill out the WS5 form AS I apply, not at the end of the week. This prevents forgetting details. 3. **Activity diversification**: Monday = online applications, Wednesday = networking/LinkedIn outreach, Friday = skills development or job fair research. This ensures I hit different activity types. 4. **Screenshot everything**: Application confirmations, job posting pages, email receipts, even LinkedIn connection requests. If there's no confirmation page, I screenshot the "application submitted" message. 5. **Follow-up tracking**: I set calendar reminders to follow up on applications after 1 week, which counts as additional activity. The most important thing I learned: treat this like a part-time job. Spend 2-3 hours each day on legitimate job search activities and document EVERYTHING in real-time. It's way easier than trying to reconstruct weeks of activity later. Also, pro tip: the NY DOL considers informational interviews as networking activities. Reach out to people in your field for 15-minute coffee chats - it's great for job searching AND counts toward your requirements.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I just finished setting up my documentation system based on everyone's advice. I'm using the WS5 form as my primary tracker and created a Google Drive folder with weekly subfolders like Seraphina suggested. One thing I learned from calling the DOL (finally got through after 2 hours on hold): they said keeping both digital AND physical copies is ideal in case of technical issues during submission. They also confirmed that volunteer work related to your field can count as a networking activity if you're making professional connections. For anyone still worried about past weeks - the agent told me they understand people don't always know the requirements upfront. They look more favorably on claimants who show they're making genuine efforts to find work, even if early documentation is incomplete. The key is being honest and proactive. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when the official resources are so hard to navigate!