Have you tried talking to your manager or HR about this issue in writing? Before you quit, I'd recommend sending an email documenting your original availability agreement and requesting accommodation for your school schedule. This creates a paper trail that shows you tried to resolve the issue before leaving. If they refuse or ignore your request, that strengthens your case for "good cause" if you do end up quitting. Also, check if your employee handbook mentions anything about scheduling accommodations - sometimes there are policies they're supposed to follow that they're not honoring.

I went through something similar when I was in college. My employer kept ignoring my class schedule even though I gave it to them at the start of each semester. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every time they scheduled me during class hours, every conversation I had with my manager about it, and took screenshots of my schedule vs my class times. I also sent a formal email to HR explaining the situation and requesting they honor my original availability agreement. When they didn't respond, I quit and filed for unemployment. It took about 6 weeks for adjudication, but I was approved because I could prove I tried to resolve it and that the schedule conflicts made it impossible to keep the job. The key is having documentation that shows you made good faith efforts to work with them first.

Just to add - the numbers also fluctuate seasonally. Construction workers, hospitality, retail all have different patterns throughout the year which affects the total claimant count.

The seasonal aspect is really important to consider. I'm in hospitality myself and noticed that claim numbers tend to spike after the holiday season and during slower tourist periods. From what I've observed, NYC alone probably accounts for a huge chunk of those statewide numbers given how many service industry workers cycle through unemployment benefits during off-seasons. The system definitely feels more strained during these peak periods.

I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact same nerve-wracking experience about 6 months ago! The waiting for that first payment is absolutely brutal, especially when you're already financially stressed. I remember checking my bank account like 10 times a day and panicking that something was wrong with my claim. My first payment took exactly 9 business days after certifying, and like others mentioned, both weeks came through at once. What really helped me was understanding that NY's system treats the first payment differently - they run additional fraud prevention checks and verifications that don't happen with subsequent payments. Once that first one hits though, every payment after comes like clockwork in 2-3 days. For anyone currently waiting - hang in there! The "processed" status really does mean your money is coming, it's just their backend systems being extra cautious. I know it doesn't help with immediate bills, but the payments do come through and they'll backpay everything you're owed.

I'm currently in this exact situation too and finding this thread has been such a relief! Just finished my second week of certifying on Sunday and I'm on day 3 of waiting with a "processed" status but no payment yet. I was starting to get really anxious because like everyone else mentioned, the DOL website makes it sound like payments should arrive in 2-3 days max. Reading all these experiences showing 7-10 business days is actually normal for the first payment has really calmed my nerves. It's especially tough when you're already financially tight and this money is what you're counting on to keep things afloat. The waiting game is brutal but I'm feeling more confident now that the payment will come through soon. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines - this community support makes such a difference when you're going through this stressful process!

I'm new to this community but found this discussion really helpful since I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! I just started collecting UI benefits after losing my job in April, and I also have a small service-based business (pet sitting/dog walking) that brings in maybe $150-400 some months, but often nothing. Like many of you, I was super anxious about mentioning it when I filed, but I knew I had to be honest. Reading everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - it sounds like the key is just being transparent about everything and reporting all income accurately on the weekly claims. I've only been doing claims for about 3 weeks so far, but no issues yet. It's really reassuring to see so many people successfully navigating this by just being upfront about their small businesses. The income from pet sitting is so inconsistent and minimal that it definitely doesn't interfere with my job search or availability for full-time work. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - it really helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with this kind of situation!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I lost my main job in February but I also have a small consulting LLC that I started a couple years ago. Like many of you, it brings in very inconsistent income - maybe $300-500 some months, but often $0 for several months in a row. When I filed my initial UI claim, I was completely transparent about the business because I figured honesty was the best policy, but I've been so anxious about whether I'm doing everything correctly. Reading all your experiences has really put my mind at ease - it seems like the common thread is being upfront about the business, accurately reporting all income (including $0 weeks), and demonstrating that you're available for full-time work. I've been collecting for about 2.5 months now with no issues, and I always report my business income when I have it. The consulting work is project-based and completely flexible, so it doesn't interfere with my job search at all. It's such a relief to see so many people successfully navigating this same situation by just being honest and following the reporting requirements. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - this community is amazing!

don't bother with the mail lol... it'll take forever 😫 Either get through on the phone or find an actual office to drop off the forms. Phone is faster if you can get thru

OP, I just went through this nightmare last month! Here's what worked for me: 1) Mail your forms to the Albany address that @Natasha Petrova mentioned if you have the barcode forms - use certified mail with tracking. 2) Fill everything out in BLACK INK ONLY (learned this the hard way). 3) Write your claim number on EVERY single page. 4) Take photos of everything before you send it. 5) If you need to talk to someone urgently, I had success with Claimyr - got connected to an agent who expedited my case. The whole verification process took about 2.5 weeks once they received my documents. Hang in there, it does get resolved eventually! Also check your online inbox daily once the site is working - they send important updates there.