I'm in a very similar boat - multiple jobs over the past couple years with some gaps and I was really worried about how to handle the work history section. After reading through all these responses, it seems like the consensus is to err on the side of being thorough rather than leaving things out. The base period explanation makes sense but I think I'll just report everything from the past 2 years to be safe. What's really reassuring is hearing that job-hopping and varied work histories are common now - I was so worried they'd see my resume and think I was unreliable. For anyone else stressing about this, it sounds like the most important thing is being honest about your most recent job separation (which in your case was a layoff, so that should be fine). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this thread has been super helpful for someone navigating this confusing process for the first time!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in almost the exact same situation and was really stressing about how to handle my work history. I've had about 7 different jobs over the past 20 months including a few where I only lasted a month or two, plus some gaps between jobs. The base period explanation really clarifies things - sounds like they'll focus on that specific timeframe for benefit calculations but want the full 2-year history on the application. I'm definitely going to take the advice here about gathering all my old W-2s and pay stubs before filling out the application. My most recent job also ended due to company-wide layoffs so hopefully that helps my case. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so reassuring to know that messy work histories are more common than I thought and that being thorough and honest is the way to go!

I'm in the same boat - filed my claim 12 days ago and still pending with zero updates from NYS DOL. Lost my job at a deli in Manhattan and have been stressing about bills while waiting for any kind of response. What's really getting to me is how there's no transparency about what's causing the delays or even a rough timeline. I've been reading that some people call the UI helpline at 888-209-8124 instead of the Telecert number - apparently they can sometimes give you more detailed info about what's holding up your claim. Planning to try both numbers early tomorrow morning. This whole system desperately needs better communication - even just automated status updates would help reduce the anxiety of not knowing anything.

I'm going through the exact same frustrating situation - filed my unemployment claim 18 days ago after losing my job at a coffee shop in the Bronx and it's still showing pending with absolutely no communication from NYS DOL. I have all my paperwork submitted correctly and my former manager confirmed I'm eligible, but the system just keeps showing that same pending status day after day. What's really driving me crazy is not knowing if this is normal processing time or if there's some issue they're not telling me about. I've been continuing to file my weekly claims and checking my account obsessively hoping for any update. Reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like we're all stuck in the same bureaucratic black hole. I'm definitely going to try calling both the Telecert line (888-581-5812) and the UI helpline (888-209-8124) at 8 AM sharp tomorrow morning. Thanks for posting this - at least we know we're not alone in this nightmare of a system!

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I also filed by phone about 2 weeks ago and the rep didn't mention ID.me at all. I only found out when I logged into my online account 3 days later and saw the verification requirement. Completed it right away and my first payment was processed within 48 hours after verification went through. The ID.me process itself was pretty straightforward - took about 10 minutes with good internet connection. Don't make the same mistake I almost did by waiting too long!

I went through the exact same thing! Filed by phone in January and the rep never mentioned ID.me verification. I only discovered it when I got frustrated about delayed payments and logged into my online account. There it was - a big red banner saying "Identity Verification Required." The whole process took about 20 minutes including waiting for the video call verification. Pro tip: do it during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) because the wait times for live verification can be really long during business hours. Once I completed it, my payments started flowing within 2 business days. Don't wait like I did - check your online dashboard immediately even if you filed by phone!

The whole NYS Department of Labor system is a mess when it comes to tax documents. I filed my unemployment claim online but they still insist on mailing paper forms to an old address even though I updated everything multiple times. It's like they want to make it as difficult as possible for people to get their tax paperwork.

I had a similar issue last year and found that the tax documents section might be under "Document Center" or "My Documents" in your my.ny.gov account. Sometimes it takes a few clicks to find it. Also, if you filed your claim before a certain date, you might need to call and request to have your 1099-G reissued electronically. The paper forms usually arrive by mid-February, but if you need it sooner for early filing, definitely try calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid the worst hold times.

I just wanted to add that you should also keep records of any communications where they gave you feedback on HOW to do your work, not just what deliverables they expected. Things like "use this approach for client outreach" or "follow our company process for project management" can really strengthen your case since true independent contractors typically have freedom to choose their own methods. Also, if they ever referred to you as part of their "team" in emails or meetings, that's another red flag for misclassification. I went through something similar with a consulting contract and those types of details really helped my case with the department. The whole process is stressful but you're absolutely right to pursue it - companies shouldn't be able to have it both ways!

As someone who's been following these misclassification discussions, I wanted to mention that you should also check if your marketing agency ever withheld any taxes from your payments or provided you with any benefits (even informal ones like access to their health insurance info or company events). These can be additional indicators of employee treatment. Also, if they ever gave you business cards with their company name or listed you on their website as "staff," that's more evidence of how they presented you to the public. The fact that so many people in this thread have similar stories really shows how common this practice has become. Companies are essentially trying to have a permanent workforce without the legal obligations that come with employees. Don't let them get away with it - you worked there, you contributed to their business, and you deserve the same protections as any other worker!