I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! You definitely qualify for a new claim since you worked from April-October 2023. That's well within the 18-month lookback period and gives you solid work history. Here's what I learned the hard way: - File a completely NEW claim, not a reopened one (your 2022 benefit year is over) - Have your warehouse job details ready: exact start/end dates, employer info, total wages earned - When they ask about job separation, say "lack of work" or "hours reduced to zero" - avoid saying "fired" - Your benefit amount will be based on your warehouse wages, so it might be different than your 2022 claim The online system is absolutely terrible. I got stuck in those same loops you mentioned. What finally worked was clearing my browser cache completely and trying in an incognito window. If that doesn't work, calling early morning (like 8am sharp) gives you the best chance of getting through. Don't let the system discourage you - you worked and paid into unemployment insurance, so you've earned these benefits. The process is frustrating but you should definitely qualify based on your work history. Good luck!

Hey! I just went through this exact same thing a couple months ago - retail job ended in 2022, then had a warehouse gig that got cut due to "seasonal adjustments" (aka corporate speak for layoffs). You're absolutely right that you can file a new claim with work in the last 18 months. Since you worked April-October 2023, you definitely have enough recent work history to qualify. The key things that helped me: 1. File as a completely NEW claim, don't try to reopen your old 2022 one 2. Have your warehouse employment dates and total earnings ready 3. When they ask why you're no longer working, say "lack of work" or "hours reduced to zero" - don't use the word "fired" 4. Your benefit amount will be based on your warehouse wages, so it'll probably be different than your 2022 claim The online system is absolutely brutal. I kept getting stuck in those same loops until I tried using a completely different browser in incognito mode. Sometimes clearing your cache helps too. If all else fails, calling right at 8am when they open gives you the best shot at getting through. Don't let their terrible system discourage you - you worked and paid into the system, so you've earned these benefits. It's frustrating but you should definitely qualify based on your work history. The warehouse job being "seasonal" actually works in your favor for unemployment eligibility.

This thread is absolutely gold! I just went through the exact same process two weeks ago and I wish I had found this earlier. Everything everyone is saying is spot on. One thing I'd add is that if you're switching from a big bank to an online bank like Chime or Ally, make sure you have the correct routing number - some online banks have different routing numbers for different types of transfers. I made that mistake initially and had to redo the whole process. Also, if you get any error messages, write down the exact error code if there is one - when I had to call customer service, they were able to help me much faster when I had that information ready. The online system definitely works, just be patient and methodical about it. Thanks to everyone for creating such a comprehensive guide here!

Just wanted to jump in and say thank you to everyone who shared their experiences! I'm actually in the process of switching banks right now and was dreading having to update my unemployment direct deposit info. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about so many of these potential issues and workarounds. The tips about using desktop instead of mobile, taking screenshots, clearing browser cache, and giving yourself extra time are all going straight into my notes. It's also really reassuring to see that the online system does work for most people when you follow the right steps. I'm planning to tackle this tomorrow morning and feel so much more prepared now. This community is amazing for sharing practical advice that you just can't find anywhere else!

Just joined this community and wow, this thread is exactly what I needed to see! I'm currently on day 16 of waiting for my first NY unemployment payment after filing in early March. Like many of you, I completed the ID.me verification, received the monetary determination letter showing my weekly benefit amount, but still no actual payments despite certifying religiously every Sunday. Reading everyone's experiences here - especially @Emma Olsen's successful resolution and the timeline of 3-5 weeks being normal for first-time claims - has really helped calm my nerves. The not knowing is definitely the worst part! I've been checking my account obsessively and was starting to worry something was wrong. It's such a relief to know this waiting period is unfortunately just part of the process. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and timelines - this community is a lifesaver for newcomers like me navigating this stressful system for the first time.

Just joined this community and finding this thread has been such a relief! I'm a newcomer dealing with my first NY unemployment claim - filed about 10 days ago and already feeling anxious about the wait. Reading through everyone's experiences here, especially seeing that 3-5 weeks is pretty standard for first-time filers, has really helped manage my expectations. @Emma Olsen congratulations on getting your issue resolved! It's encouraging to see that once you reach someone, these verification problems can often be fixed quickly. I've been doing my weekly certifications and checking my account daily like everyone else. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part, but this community has shown me I'm not alone in this process. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and advice - it's incredibly valuable for those of us going through this for the first time!

If you accidentally don't report income, contact the NYS Department of Labor immediately to correct it. Small oversights can usually be fixed without penalties if you're proactive about it. The key is being honest and transparent with all your reporting. Also remember you have appeal rights if any decisions don't seem correct.

@Ryan Kim - One more thing that might help ease your stress: you can actually start your claim online immediately at labor.ny.gov, don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Also, keep every document related to your job loss (termination letter, final paystub, etc.) because you might need them during the process. The first few weeks can feel overwhelming but once you get into the routine of weekly certification it becomes much easier. You've got this!

I'm a per diem pharmacy tech and went through this EXACT same situation! After going back and forth with anxiety for weeks, I finally got clarification from an unemployment specialist (took forever to get through). Here's what they told me: if shifts are just posted on a general board/app for anyone to grab, that's NOT considered "refusing work" even if you see them and choose not to take them. "Refusing work" only applies when someone specifically contacts YOU with a shift offer and you decline it. I've been answering NO to refusing work when I just don't claim open shifts, and my benefits have been fine for 4 months now. The key is documentation - I screenshot available shifts vs any direct communications, just in case. Hope this helps ease your mind!

I'm also per diem (respiratory therapist) and this conversation has been such a relief! I was literally having nightmares about accidentally committing unemployment fraud because the questions are so confusing for our work situation. After reading all the expert advice here, especially from @Sofia Ramirez and @Zainab Omar, I finally understand the key distinction - if shifts are just posted on a portal/board for anyone to claim, that's NOT the same as being specifically offered work that you refuse. I've been answering the same way (NO to refusing work when I just don't pick up shifts from our staffing app) and it's good to know so many other per diem healthcare workers are in the same boat. The documentation tip is great too - I'm going to start keeping records of what shifts were available vs any direct communications. It's honestly ridiculous that NY unemployment doesn't have clearer guidance for per diem workers when we make up such a huge part of the healthcare workforce. This thread should be required reading for anyone doing per diem work!