Don't worry, you did the right thing! I went through this exact same confusion about 6 weeks ago. The "register for direct deposit" option shows up even after you've already entered your banking info during the initial application - it's basically their way of having you verify everything through their updated security system. The IDme verification is a newer requirement they added to prevent fraud, so that's completely separate from your original direct deposit setup. Since you used the same bank account details both times, you're totally fine! The system will just confirm that everything matches up. I was stressed about it too, but my payments started coming through about 8-10 days after I did the re-verification. The NY unemployment system definitely could be way clearer about what's happening at each step, but you handled it perfectly. Just keep an eye on your account over the next week or so and you should see everything processing normally! 💪

Hey Olivia! You absolutely did not mess up - this is totally normal and happens to almost everyone! I went through the exact same confusion about 2 months ago. Here's what's actually happening: When you first apply, that's just collecting your initial info. But when you start the actual claiming process, NY unemployment makes you go through their updated verification system - that's why you saw the "register for direct deposit" option again. It's not that you did anything wrong the first time, it's just their way of double-checking everything through their newer security protocols. The IDme verification is completely separate - that's their anti-fraud measure that they added relatively recently. So you were supposed to do both of those steps! Since you used the same banking info both times, you're golden. The system will just confirm everything matches up and you'll be all set. I was paranoid about the same thing, but my direct deposits have been coming through perfectly ever since. The NY unemployment system really should explain this process better instead of leaving us all wondering if we broke something! But you handled it exactly right. You should see your first payment within the next 1-2 weeks. Don't stress about it! 😊

Just wanted to say hang in there! Even if there are delays because of your employer's mistakes, you'll eventually get what you're owed. Keep all your documentation organized and be patient with the process.

I went through something similar when I worked at a small family restaurant that was super sketchy with payroll. The owner kept saying he'd "handle everything" but clearly wasn't paying unemployment taxes. When I filed my claim, NYS Department of Labor actually reached out to me for additional documentation and ended up doing an audit of the business. It took about 6-8 weeks longer than normal, but I eventually got approved for the full amount I was entitled to based on my reported wages. The key thing is to be completely honest about everything - the cash payments, irregular paystubs, all of it. NYS DOL has seen it all before and they're pretty good at figuring out when employers are trying to dodge their responsibilities. Don't let your employer's bad practices stop you from getting the benefits you earned!

Don't forget about situations like workplace discrimination or retaliation. If you quit because of illegal treatment by your employer, that's considered good cause. But you need solid documentation and it's harder to prove than a straightforward layoff.

Another qualifying reason that's often overlooked is when your employer changes fundamental terms of your employment without your agreement - like significantly changing your job duties, reducing your pay, or forcing you to relocate to a different work site that's unreasonably far. This can be considered constructive discharge. Also, if you're in a temporary or seasonal job that ends as expected, you can still qualify. The key thing to remember is you need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). Keep all your pay stubs and employment records!

Just want to add some reassurance here - I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. Got fired for performance issues (missed deadlines) and was terrified my employer would fight it. They didn't even contest it, and I started receiving benefits within 2 weeks of filing. The whole "employer paying" thing confused me too at first, but think of it like car insurance - you pay premiums all year, then when you need coverage, the insurance company pays out. Same concept here except employers pay the "premiums" (UI taxes) and the state pays the "claims" (your benefits). File online as soon as you can and keep copies of everything. The worst they can say is no, and even then you can appeal. You've got legal right to these benefits if you qualify!

Sofia, I went through something very similar when I got let go for not hitting my quotas at a retail job. The anxiety about whether your former boss will contest your claim is totally understandable, but here's what I learned: even if they do contest it, you have the right to appeal and present your side of the story. Since you were fired for performance (not meeting sales targets) rather than misconduct like stealing or harassment, you should be eligible. The Department of Labor looks at whether you were fired for reasons within your control vs. your employer's business needs. Not meeting targets when you were genuinely trying your best usually falls into the latter category. File your claim ASAP since benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you were terminated. Be honest about the termination reason but focus on the facts - you were let go for not meeting sales goals despite your efforts. Good luck!

I went through a similar situation when I was considering early retirement at 56. After doing a lot of research and speaking with NYS Department of Labor directly, I can confirm what others have said - voluntary retirement absolutely disqualifies you from unemployment benefits. The system is designed for people who lose their jobs involuntarily and are actively seeking new employment. Since retirement means you're choosing to stop working, you don't meet the "able and available for work" requirement. My advice would be to focus on building up your savings for that bridge period and maybe look into part-time or consulting opportunities in your field. Don't count on unemployment as part of your retirement planning - it's just not going to happen with voluntary retirement in NY.

I'm 61 and went through this exact scenario last year. After 30+ years with my company, I thought there might be some way to collect unemployment after retiring, but NYS Department of Labor made it crystal clear - voluntary retirement = no benefits, period. The representative I spoke with explained that you have to be "unemployed through no fault of your own" and actively seeking work. When you retire, you're literally telling them you don't want to work anymore, which is the opposite of what unemployment insurance is for. I ended up postponing my retirement by 18 months to build up more savings specifically because I couldn't count on unemployment. If you're set on retiring next year, make sure you have enough saved to cover all your expenses (including health insurance!) until you can access your retirement accounts or Social Security. Don't make the same assumption I initially did - unemployment is definitely not part of the retirement equation in NY.