Just wanted to jump in and say THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this thread! I literally just successfully filed my claim using the combination of solutions you all figured out. Like many others, I'm a returning filer (last claim was 2023) and was completely lost on the new system. For anyone still struggling, here's what worked for me: 1. Used Vincent's method - cleared cache/cookies, went through My NY.gov dashboard first 2. Switched to Edge browser (Chrome wasn't working for me) 3. Disabled ALL browser extensions, not just ad blocker 4. Filed during off-peak hours (around 7 AM) The whole process took about 45 minutes once I could actually access it, but finding the right combination of workarounds took me 3 days! This community is amazing - you've basically created the user manual that NY should have provided. Seriously considering printing this whole thread as backup in case I need to help friends or family navigate this mess in the future!

This entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in the exact same situation - trying to file a new claim after having one back in 2023, and the system looks completely different now. I've been banging my head against the wall for the past two days trying to find the "file new claim" option. Reading through everyone's experiences, it's clear this isn't user error - it's a legitimate system issue affecting returning claimants after the January 2025 upgrade. I'm going to try Vincent's method first (the My NY.gov dashboard approach with cache clearing), then work through the browser/extension suggestions if needed. It's honestly shocking that we need a whole community troubleshooting session just to access a basic government service, but I'm so grateful everyone took the time to document their solutions. This thread should seriously be sent to NYSDOL as evidence of how broken their "improved" system is! Will definitely report back with my results to add to the collective knowledge here.

The process can get complicated if the former employee appeals your response. Then there might be a hearing where both sides present evidence. NYS Department of Labor will make a determination based on state unemployment laws. Your unemployment insurance premiums might go up if you have too many successful claims against your company.

Just respond honestly with whatever documentation you have. Don't try to make up reasons why they shouldn't get benefits - NYS Department of Labor can usually tell when employers are stretching the truth.

Regarding suitable work - generally after the first few weeks you're expected to consider jobs paying at least 80% of your previous wage. But there are exceptions based on your field and local job market. The work search requirement is about showing you're actively seeking employment, not just going through the motions.

Just wanted to add that the NYS Department of Labor website has a work search log template you can download to help track your activities. I print it out each week and fill it in as I go - makes it way easier than trying to remember everything later. Also, don't forget that attending job training programs or workshops can count toward your 3 activities too. I've been doing online skills courses through the library and those qualify as long as they're related to improving your job prospects.

Wait I'm confused now too. I thought if you were in a union you didn't have to do job searches? My dad was on unemployment in the 90s and he said union members were exempt. Has that changed?

Based on my experience, you definitely need to take the job search requirements seriously. I made the mistake of being inconsistent with my work searches early on and got a notice from NYS Department of Labor asking for documentation. The key is logging into the system every week and recording your activities - even networking events or career fairs count toward your 3 required searches. Don't risk it like some people suggest, because if they audit your claim and find you weren't compliant, you could owe back thousands in benefits.

UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning (Monday)! You were all right - the delay seems to have been because I reported part-time income for the first time. Thanks everyone for helping me stay calm and explaining what was happening. Next time I won't panic so quickly!

I'm glad to see this got resolved! As someone new to the NY unemployment system, this thread was really helpful to read. I'm currently waiting for my first payment to be processed and was starting to worry when I saw it's been 3 days since my certification, but now I understand that delays can be normal, especially with the banking system. It's reassuring to know that when it shows "PROCESSED" in the NYSDOL system, the money has actually been released and it's just a matter of waiting for it to hit your account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of community support makes dealing with unemployment stress so much easier!