I'm actually going through something very similar right now - my manager has been documenting every minor mistake and I can tell they're building a paper trail. This whole thread has been such a relief to read because I was convinced that getting fired would automatically disqualify me from unemployment benefits. It's really encouraging to see that NYS Department of Labor actually looks at the circumstances rather than just rubber-stamping whatever the employer claims. The documentation advice everyone's giving is spot on - I've started keeping copies of all my emails, especially ones where I'm asking for clarification or showing that I'm trying to address any concerns they raise. It sounds like the key distinction is between genuine misconduct (like theft or deliberate rule violations) versus performance issues or personality conflicts with management. For anyone else dealing with this stress, it seems like the takeaway is to file for benefits even if you're not 100% sure you'll qualify - worst case they deny it and you can appeal, but you might be surprised and get approved on the initial determination.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar situation where my new supervisor seems to be looking for any excuse to write me up. It's such a relief to learn that being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in New York. The distinction between misconduct and performance issues really makes sense - it sounds like NYS Department of Labor understands that sometimes terminations happen due to personality conflicts or management style differences rather than genuine wrongdoing. I'm definitely taking everyone's advice about documentation seriously. I've already started saving emails where I ask for clarification on tasks and keeping copies of any feedback I receive. Reading about people's successful claims even after being fired for "performance issues" gives me hope that I'd have options if the worst happens. Thanks for asking this question - it's helping so many of us who are dealing with similar workplace stress!

I just went through this same process a few months ago and completely understand the anxiety! In my case, the decision took about 3.5 weeks to arrive by mail, and my online status updated about a week after I received the physical letter. The waiting is honestly the hardest part because there's nothing you can do but wait. One thing that helped me was keeping a calendar to track the timeline - it made me feel more in control even though I wasn't. If you do win (fingers crossed!), they'll send you a detailed letter explaining the decision and your benefits will automatically resume with full back pay calculated from your original filing date. The good news is that 10 days is still well within the normal timeframe, so try not to worry too much yet. Most decisions come between weeks 2-4 after the hearing. Keep your chin up!

I went through the exact same thing last year and the waiting period is absolutely nerve-wracking! In my case, it took about 3 weeks to get the decision letter in the mail, and my online account updated about 5 days after the letter arrived. The key thing to remember is that 10 days is still very early in the process - most decisions take 2-5 weeks depending on the judge's caseload. When I won my appeal, they automatically restored my claim and I received a lump sum payment for all the weeks I had missed, backdated to my original filing date. The fact that you felt the hearing went "okay" is actually encouraging - the judges are trained to remain neutral, so don't read too much into their demeanor. One tip: make sure to keep certifying for weekly benefits even while you're waiting for the decision, because if you win, those weeks will count toward your total benefit period. Try to be patient for at least another week or two before getting concerned about the timeline. You've got this!

I'm in a similar boat - filed my claim 12 days ago and have been refreshing my online account constantly! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring. It sounds like the Monetary Benefit Determination letter is what we're all waiting for, and 10-14 business days seems to be the normal range. I appreciate everyone sharing their weekly benefit amounts too - it helps set realistic expectations. One thing I'm wondering about is whether there are any signs in your online account that indicate your claim is being processed normally vs. if there might be issues? My status just says "pending" but I'm hoping that's normal at this stage.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim 11 days ago and have been checking my online account multiple times daily. This thread is incredibly helpful - I had no idea I should be looking specifically in the "Correspondence" section for the Monetary Benefit Determination letter. I've just been staring at the main dashboard wondering why nothing was changing. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I'm still in the normal timeframe and shouldn't panic yet. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and what to expect - it's so much better than the vague information on the official website. Going to stop obsessively checking and give it a few more days before I start worrying!

honestly just file and see what happens. the worst they can say is no and youll know for sure instead of guessing

I went through this exact situation last year! With your $800/week income, you should definitely file. The process is actually pretty straightforward - you can do it all online through the NYS Department of Labor website. Just make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your most recent pay stub ready. One tip: file on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday if possible - those are typically less busy days and the system runs smoother. Also, even if your hours are just cut (not completely eliminated), you might still qualify for partial benefits if your reduced earnings are below your weekly benefit amount.

Just tried again after seeing these updates and it's working for me too! Was getting the same server connection errors all morning but just successfully logged in and certified. Thanks everyone for sharing the workarounds - definitely going to bookmark Eva's tips for next time this happens. The NY DOL really needs to invest in better infrastructure, these outages are way too frequent 😤

Ugh, I've been dealing with the same thing since yesterday! The site keeps timing out when I try to access my claim status. Really frustrating because I need to check if my payment went through. Has anyone noticed if the mobile app is working any better than the website? Sometimes that's been more reliable for me during these outages. Fingers crossed they get this sorted soon - missing certification deadlines because of their technical issues is such BS 😤