Just make sure you're being honest about everything when you file. The NYS Department of Labor will cross-reference your reported earnings with what your employer reports, so any discrepancies will cause problems.

I went through this exact situation last year when my restaurant cut my hours from 35 to 15 per week. Yes, your employer gets notified automatically, but honestly it worked out fine for me. My manager actually understood since they were the ones who reduced my schedule due to slow business. The key is being completely transparent about your part-time earnings when you file your weekly certifications. I was getting about $180/week in partial benefits which really helped cover my rent. Just keep good records of your hours and pay stubs in case there are any questions later.

I'm in a similar situation - just finished my seasonal job at a resort in the Finger Lakes region and was nervous about filing for unemployment. Reading everyone's responses here is really encouraging! One thing I'm curious about - when you file the initial claim, do you need to provide any special documentation proving your seasonal employment ended, or is it treated the same as any other layoff? Also, has anyone had experience with how quickly NYS Department of Labor processes seasonal claims compared to regular unemployment claims?

I was in almost the exact same situation last year - worked at a ski resort in Vermont (close enough to NY that I had to deal with similar issues). Definitely file for unemployment benefits! One thing I learned the hard way is to file your claim immediately after your last day of work, don't wait thinking you might find something quickly. The waiting week starts from when you file, not when you actually become unemployed. Also, keep all your pay stubs from the ski resort - NYS Department of Labor might request them to verify your wages during the base period. The whole process was much smoother than I expected, and I was able to collect benefits until I found a summer job. Don't let anyone discourage you from filing - seasonal workers absolutely have the right to unemployment benefits in New York!

Just make sure you're honest about the seasonal nature of your work when filing. NYS Department of Labor takes misrepresentation seriously and you don't want issues later on.

I work seasonal at a beach resort and have filed for unemployment during off-seasons multiple times. One important thing to know is that you should file your claim immediately after your last day of work - don't wait even a day because benefits don't start until you file. Also, keep all your employment records from the ski resort including pay stubs and any documentation about your expected return date next season. When you're doing your weekly certifications, you'll need to report that you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to the same employer. The system will ask you specific questions about seasonal work during the application process.

Just want to add - if you're really tight on money and can't afford the 10% withholding right now, at least try to set aside whatever you can each week. Even $20-30 per payment adds up and will help when tax time comes. I made the mistake of not saving anything my first time on unemployment and it was really stressful trying to come up with the money I owed. Also, if your income is low enough you might qualify for free tax prep services through VITA when filing season comes around.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same confusion last year! The tax situation definitely caught me off guard too. One thing I'd add is that when you do set up the 10% withholding, you can always change it later if your financial situation changes. I started with withholding, then had to turn it off for a few months when money got really tight, then turned it back on when things improved. The key is just being aware of it so you can plan ahead. Also, keep good records of all your payments - screenshot your payment history or print it out, because sometimes the 1099-G they send can have mistakes and you'll want to double-check it against your own records.

I went through a similar investigation about 8 months ago and it was nerve-wracking at first, but it ended up being pretty straightforward. In my case, it was triggered because there was a mismatch between my reported last day of work and what my employer submitted to the state system. Apparently even small discrepancies like this can flag an automated review. The investigation took about 2.5 weeks total - I submitted my documentation (final pay stub, separation notice, and a brief written explanation) within 4 days of receiving the letter. The key is responding quickly and providing exactly what they ask for, nothing more or less. I continued certifying during the investigation and got back pay once it was resolved. Since you mentioned you were laid off due to downsizing, make sure you have any communication about the layoffs or company restructuring if available. Most of these investigations resolve favorably if you were truthful in your original filing.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation too - got my investigation letter about a week ago after collecting for 5 weeks. From what I've gathered reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like these investigations are pretty common and often triggered by minor discrepancies between employer and claimant reports. My situation is similar to yours - company downsizing layoff with what I thought was clear documentation. I've already submitted my termination letter and final pay stub, but now I'm just anxiously waiting to hear back. It's reassuring to see that most people here had positive outcomes when they had proper documentation. Thanks for starting this thread - it's really helpful to know I'm not alone in this process!