Good point about job searches. You need to be doing at least 3 job search activities per week and keeping detailed records. This includes applying for jobs, networking activities, attending job fairs, etc. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time so keep good documentation.

I went through something similar with attendance issues and car problems. The key thing that helped my case was that I had documentation - text messages to my supervisor about the car trouble, repair receipts showing when it was in the shop, and proof I was trying to find alternative transportation. NYS DOL looks at whether you made a good faith effort to maintain your job despite the circumstances. If you have any records of communicating with your manager about the car issues or trying to arrange rides/alternative transportation, gather all of that. It shows the absences weren't just careless but due to legitimate transportation barriers.

I tried calling NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on my benefit amount but couldn't get through after waiting on hold for over an hour. Their phone system is impossible! Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

Just want to add that you also have to factor in taxes. The unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have them withhold federal taxes or set aside money for when you file. Learned that the hard way last year!

Just make sure you file the new claim as soon as possible after your benefit year ends. There might be a gap in payments while they process your new application, but you don't want to wait too long. Keep doing your job search activities during this time too since you'll need to show you've been actively looking for work.

I went through this exact same situation last month! When your benefit year expires, you definitely need to file a brand new initial claim through the NY DOL website. The key thing is making sure you have enough qualifying wages in your new base period - they'll look at your earnings from about 15 months ago up to 3 months ago. If you worked any temp jobs or part-time work during your previous claim, those wages should help you qualify. Also heads up that there's usually a one-week waiting period when you file a new claim, so plan for that gap in benefits. Good luck!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my hours at a clothing store just got reduced from 32 to 12 hours per week, and I was also told by management that part-time workers "don't really qualify" for unemployment. Reading all these responses has been such a relief! It's clear that's completely wrong information. I've been putting off applying because I believed what my manager said, but now I understand it's really about meeting the wage requirements during the base period, not about full-time vs part-time status. Planning to file my claim on my.ny.gov this weekend. Thank you to everyone who shared their actual experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to figure this out from the confusing government websites alone!

I'm really glad I found this thread! I'm currently going through the exact same situation - working part-time at a local pharmacy (about 22 hours/week) and just got notice that my hours are being cut to 6 hours/week due to reduced customer traffic. My supervisor also mentioned that part-time workers "might not be eligible" for unemployment, which had me really worried. But after reading everyone's experiences here, it's clear that's just not accurate information! It sounds like the NYS Department of Labor really does focus on your total wage earnings during the base period rather than whether you were classified as full-time or part-time. I've been working there for about 10 months, so I'm hoping that's enough history to meet the requirements. Planning to apply on my.ny.gov this week and report my reduced hours honestly on the weekly claims. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences - it's incredibly reassuring to know that so many part-time workers have successfully received benefits through this process!

just stop filing ur weekly claims and apply for disability thats what i did no problems

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see cases like this frequently. Since your injury is work-related, you should definitely pursue Workers' Compensation benefits through the NYS Workers' Compensation Board, not regular state disability. The key steps are: 1) Contact NYS Department of Labor immediately to report that you can no longer work and request your UI claim be suspended/closed, 2) File a Workers' Comp claim with your employer and the Board as soon as possible, and 3) Get all medical documentation from your doctor supporting that you cannot work. Don't delay on any of these steps - Workers' Comp has strict reporting deadlines and continuing to collect UI while unable to work can create serious overpayment issues. The Workers' Comp Board website has all the forms you need to get started.