The whole ny unemployment system is DESIGNED to be user-unfriendly. They make it so hard to reach humans that people just give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to. It's infuriating but true.

I feel your pain! Made a similar mistake last year where I accidentally said I was available for part-time work only instead of full-time. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the main number (800-833-3000) at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday and got through after about 90 minutes on hold. The key was calling RIGHT when they opened and being super persistent. Also, keep detailed notes of every call attempt - date, time, how long you waited, what happened. If you still can't get through after a week, contact your local state assembly member's office. They have staff specifically for helping with unemployment issues and can escalate your case. Don't panic about fraud accusations - they know their phone system causes these mistakes and as long as you're actively trying to fix it, you should be fine. Keep certifying your weekly benefits correctly while you work on fixing this!

I went through this exact situation about 2 years ago with NYS DOL and can share what happened in my case. My employer contested my claim alleging I violated company policy, but they ended up being a no-show at the hearing. The administrative law judge proceeded with the hearing as scheduled and spent about 30-40 minutes asking me detailed questions about the incident, my work history, any prior disciplinary actions, and company policies. Even though my employer wasn't there to cross-examine me, the judge was still very thorough and wanted specific details about dates, times, and circumstances. I had prepared documentation including emails and my employee handbook, which helped support my testimony. The judge explained that they would review all available evidence including whatever my employer had submitted initially when they contested the claim. I received the decision about 2 weeks later ruling in my favor. My advice would be to prepare as thoroughly as if your employer will be there - have your timeline of events clear, bring any supporting documents, and be ready to address the specific misconduct allegations they made. The fact that they're not showing up to defend their position often suggests they don't have strong evidence, but don't assume it's an automatic win. Stay focused on presenting your side clearly and honestly.

I actually work as a paralegal and have observed many NYS DOL unemployment hearings. Here's what typically happens when an employer is a no-show: The administrative law judge will still conduct a full hearing, but they'll rely heavily on your testimony since the employer can't present their side or challenge your statements. However, they will have whatever documentation your employer submitted when they initially contested your claim, so be prepared to address those specific allegations. The judge will ask detailed questions about the incident that led to your termination, any company policies involved, prior warnings or disciplinary actions, and your understanding of what happened. Even without your employer present, you still need to prove that your termination wasn't for misconduct - it's not automatically ruled in your favor. That said, employer no-shows often indicate they don't have strong evidence to support their misconduct claim. Make sure you have a clear timeline of events, any supporting documentation (emails, handbook, witness contact info), and be prepared to answer follow-up questions that might challenge your version of events. The judge needs to make a decision based on credible evidence, so being thorough and honest in your testimony is crucial. Good luck with your hearing!

the my.ny.gov site is such a mess, half the time the links don't even work right. i always have to try logging in like 3 times before it actually lets me see my unemployment stuff. but yeah once you get in its under unemployment services then account info

Just wanted to add that you can also download the mobile app for my.ny.gov which sometimes works better than the website. I use it to check my payment dates and do my weekly claims when I'm not at my computer.

This is such a frustrating situation but you're definitely not alone in this! I work as a benefits counselor and see cases like yours fairly regularly. NYS Department of Labor absolutely recognizes rescinded job offers as qualifying for unemployment benefits. The important thing to remember is that you meet all the basic eligibility criteria - you're unemployed through no fault of your own, you were ready and able to work, and the employer's decision to withdraw the offer was completely beyond your control. When you file your claim, make sure to be very detailed about the timeline and attach all your documentation (offer letter, acceptance email, background check completion, and the rescission notice). This documentation will actually make your case stronger because it shows you were genuinely employed and acting in good faith throughout the process. Don't worry about not filing initially - that's a completely understandable decision when you thought you had secure employment. File as soon as possible now and you should be able to get your benefits without any major complications!

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a terrible way to start what you thought was going to be your first week at a new job! I haven't been through this exact situation myself, but I wanted to reach out because I've been following this thread and everyone's advice seems really solid. It sounds like you have a really strong case for unemployment benefits since you were already unemployed when they pulled the offer and you have all the documentation to back up your story. The fact that so many people here have gone through similar situations and had their claims approved gives me confidence that yours will work out too. I know it's stressful having to go back to job searching when you thought you were done with that, but at least the unemployment benefits will give you some financial breathing room while you get back out there. Definitely file as soon as possible like everyone is saying - you've clearly done your research and you know what documentation to include. Best of luck with your claim and your continued job search!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Filed 4 weeks ago, approved, but no card. Called every day this week and can't get through. The frustration is real. I saw someone mention contacting your state rep - definitely going to try that. Also going to look into that claimyr service people are talking about. We shouldn't have to jump through this many hoops just to get what we're entitled to. Hang in there, hopefully we both get our cards soon! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same nightmare! Applied 3.5 weeks ago, got approved, but still no debit card. I've called probably 50+ times and either get disconnected or stuck in phone tree purgatory. What's really frustrating is that my online account shows payments have been "issued" but obviously I can't access them without the card. I'm going to try some of the suggestions here - especially contacting my assembly member and that claimyr service. It's ridiculous that we have to become professional phone warriors just to get basic unemployment benefits. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least I know I'm not alone in this mess! 🙃