I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just changed my bank info from Chase to a local credit union about a week ago and my payment shows "paid" but hasn't appeared in either account. This thread has been a lifesaver - I had no idea this verification delay was even a thing! The NYSDOL website makes it seem like changing bank info should be instant. I've been checking my accounts obsessively and starting to panic about my car payment. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I need to be patient and maybe try that Claimyr service if nothing shows up in the next few days. Also going to start checking my mail more carefully in case they switched to sending a paper check. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories - it's such a relief to know this is normal and not some catastrophic error with my claim!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Changed my direct deposit from Wells Fargo to a local credit union 5 days ago and my payment shows "paid" but hasn't shown up anywhere. I've been checking both accounts constantly and was starting to panic that I'd somehow lost my benefits. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had absolutely no idea that there was a verification period that could last weeks! The NYSDOL website gives zero indication that changing your bank info could cause these kinds of delays. I've tried calling the helpline about 10 times but can't get through to anyone. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should try the Claimyr service and also keep checking my mail for a possible paper check. It's so frustrating that we have to learn about these processes from community forums instead of getting clear information from the state. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know this is a common issue and not just me!

Make sure u get everything in writing and keep copies of EVERYTHING. Also the hearing might be by phone now instead of in person so that makes it easier

I went through a very similar situation about 6 months ago - also got denied for "misconduct" when it was clearly a layoff due to company restructuring. The appeal process was intimidating at first but totally worth it. A few key things that helped me: 1) File your appeal ASAP - you really do only have 30 days, 2) Keep filing your weekly certifications even though you're not getting paid (this was crucial advice I got here), 3) For the hearing, I wrote out a timeline of exactly what happened with dates and kept it simple and factual. The judge was actually very fair and asked good questions. I won my appeal and got all the back pay. Don't let them intimidate you - if you were truly laid off due to downsizing, you have a strong case. Stay organized and stick to the facts!

I'm dealing with something similar right now - got furloughed from my restaurant job two weeks ago. After reading all these responses, I called my employer to ask about the standby status paperwork that @Beth Ford mentioned. Turns out they had no idea that was even an option! They just assumed telling us "we'll call you back when things pick up" was enough. So now I'm definitely doing my work searches to be safe. It's frustrating because I really do want to go back to my job, but at least now I understand why the system works this way. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official NYS DOL website!

This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm in a similar boat - got furloughed from my office job last week and my boss said they'd "probably" bring me back in a month or two. After reading everyone's experiences, I realize I was naive thinking I could just wait it out without doing work searches. The distinction between informal furlough and official standby status that @Beth Ford explained makes total sense now. I'm going to call my HR department tomorrow to see if they filed any standby paperwork (doubt it based on what others have shared), and then start my work search activities ASAP. Better safe than sorry when it comes to unemployment benefits! Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is way more helpful than trying to navigate the confusing DOL website alone.

Thanks everyone for clarifying this! I was getting really stressed thinking I'd have to pay everything back just for getting a job. So to confirm - as long as I report my part-time earnings accurately on my weekly certification, NYS Department of Labor will just adjust my benefit amount accordingly? And I only risk having to pay money back if I don't report income or if there's some other eligibility issue they discover later? This is such a relief because that part-time job would really help me transition back to full-time work eventually.

Just wanted to add one important detail - when you report part-time earnings, NYS Department of Labor has a partial benefit formula where you can earn up to a certain amount (I think it's around $143/week in 2024) before they start reducing your benefits dollar-for-dollar. So depending on how much your part-time job pays, you might still get some unemployment benefits on top of your wages. This actually makes the transition easier since you're not losing all your UI support immediately. Just make sure to report everything accurately and you'll be fine - no payback required!

Congratulations on the new job! I remember being so paranoid about this same thing when I found work. The unemployment system is designed to help people transition back to employment, not punish them for succeeding. You've earned those benefits by paying into the system through your previous job.

Great question! I was worried about this exact same thing when I first started collecting unemployment. Your cousin might be thinking of situations where people commit fraud or make errors on their claims. As long as you've been honest about your job search activities and haven't worked without reporting it, you're totally in the clear. The whole point of unemployment insurance is to bridge the gap until you find new employment - getting hired is the success story they want to see! Just make sure to report your new job start date on your final weekly certification and you'll be all set.