I remember being confused about this too when I filed. The separation date is important because it affects when your benefit year starts and how they calculate your base period wages. Getting it wrong could delay your first payment or mess up your benefit amount calculation.

I went through this same situation a few months ago when I was laid off from my warehouse job. The key thing to remember is that the separation date should match what your employer reports to NYS Department of Labor - they get a copy of your claim and can dispute if the dates don't align. If you're unsure, check your final paystub or any layoff paperwork they gave you, as it usually shows your last work day. December 12th sounds right based on what you described, but definitely keep any documentation just in case they ask for verification later.

This is such helpful information! I'm dealing with a very similar situation working at a local bookstore where my hours are all over the place depending on events and seasonal rushes. Some weeks I'm barely getting 12 hours, other weeks they have me working 35+ during big sales. It's reassuring to know that the NY system is actually designed to handle these fluctuations and I don't need to worry about looking suspicious when I go back and forth between claiming and not claiming. I was always stressed about whether there would be some kind of flag on my account, but it sounds like this is exactly what partial unemployment benefits are for. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

I'm new to this whole partial unemployment thing and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just started a part-time job at a retail store where they warned me upfront that hours would vary dramatically based on sales and seasons. Some weeks might be 35+ hours during back-to-school or holidays, other weeks could be as low as 10 hours. I was worried about how to handle the unemployment benefits with such unpredictable scheduling, but reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better about the process. It's great to know that NY's system is actually built for exactly this kind of situation and that each week truly does stand alone. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of my hours and take screenshots like some of you suggested. Thanks for creating such a supportive community where people can share real experiences with these confusing systems!

Just to add - if you're looking for work now, make sure you understand the job search requirements once you do become eligible for benefits in the future. NYS Department of Labor has specific rules about documenting your job search activities.

I went through something similar when I had to close my small business last year. Since you only took owner draws and didn't pay unemployment taxes on your own wages, you unfortunately won't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. However, I'd recommend checking if you might be eligible for any other state assistance programs while you're job searching. Also, when you do find new employment, make sure they're properly withholding unemployment taxes so you'll have coverage in the future. Good luck with your job search!

I went through something similar a few years ago when I had to leave my retail job due to a knee injury. The most important thing is to be completely honest and consistent in all your applications and weekly certifications. When I filed for unemployment, I clearly stated my physical limitations and the types of work I could still perform. I also made sure to apply for jobs that matched those capabilities - customer service roles, data entry, reception work, etc. Keep detailed records of your job search activities because NYS requires you to make a certain number of job contacts each week. One tip: consider reaching out to temp agencies that specialize in office work - they often have positions that are perfect for people with physical restrictions and it shows you're actively seeking employment within your limitations.

I'm in a similar boat - applied for disability in September and still waiting. From what I've learned through this process, you absolutely can collect unemployment while your disability claim is pending, but documentation is key. I'd suggest getting a written statement from your doctor specifically outlining what types of work activities you CAN do, not just what you can't. This helps when you're filling out your weekly certifications and shows you're being proactive about finding suitable work. Also, when you apply for UI benefits, there's usually a section where you can explain your work limitations - be thorough and honest there. I've been focusing my job search on remote administrative positions and part-time office roles, and I keep a spreadsheet of every application with dates, company names, and position details. It's tedious but gives me peace of mind that I'm following all the rules. The waiting is stressful but having that UI income while the disability claim processes has been a lifesaver.

Your manager was absolutely trying to manipulate you - this is unfortunately super common. Employers know that unemployment claims can affect their experience rating and potentially increase their future UI tax rates, so some try to discourage employees from filing. But here's the thing: you PAID for this coverage through your work! Every paycheck you earned helped fund the system through your employer's contributions. You're not taking charity or hurting anyone - you're accessing a benefit you literally earned by working there for 2 years. File your claim ASAP and don't let anyone make you feel guilty about it. The NYS Department of Labor website has all the info you need to get started.

I went through this exact same situation when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year! My manager also tried to make me feel guilty about filing, saying it would "hurt the business" and that I should "be loyal" even after they let me go. It's such a common manipulation tactic. The reality is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. Your employer has been paying premiums into this system the whole time you worked there, just like they pay into workers comp or any other mandatory business insurance. When you file a claim, you're not personally costing them money any more than filing a car insurance claim personally costs your insurance company - it's literally what the system is designed for. Don't let them guilt you into not accessing benefits you've earned. File your claim immediately because there can be delays, and you need that income to survive while job hunting.