Make sure you understand the partial benefit calculation too. You can work and still collect as long as your total earnings for the week are less than your weekly benefit rate. NYS Department of Labor has a specific formula for partial benefits. And document everything about why your hours were reduced - that'll help your case for backdating.

I actually went through something similar last year. The key thing is to file your initial claim ASAP and be very detailed in your explanation for requesting backdating. When I explained that my hours were cut due to lack of available work and that I wasn't informed about partial benefits being available, they approved my backdate request for about 2 months. It took forever to process though - like 6-8 weeks before I saw any payments. Also make sure you have documentation of your reduced hours/earnings if possible. Good luck!

I just went through this same nightmare a few weeks ago and wanted to share what worked for me. First thing - DO NOT PANIC (easier said than done, I know). Here's what you need to do immediately: 1) Log into your NY.gov account and check if you can file a new claim. Look at your base period wages - if you worked ANY hours during your original claim (even part-time or gig work), you might qualify for a fresh 26 weeks. 2) While you're checking that, apply for SNAP TODAY. Don't wait. The application process takes weeks and you need that safety net now. 3) Contact your local DSS office for emergency assistance - they can help with rent and utilities while you sort this out. 4) If you're having trouble getting through to DOL by phone, try calling right at 8 AM when they open, or use the callback feature on their website. I know this feels overwhelming but there are more options than it initially seems. You've been doing everything right with your job search - don't give up now!

I went through this exact same panic last year and wanted to share what I learned. First - breathe! There are still options. The most important thing is to immediately check if you can file a NEW claim. I had worked some temp jobs during my original benefit year and didn't realize I had earned enough to qualify for a fresh 26 weeks. Log into your NY.gov account and look at your "Monetary Determination" - if you see wages from work you did during your claim period, you might be eligible. Also, start applying for other assistance NOW - don't wait. SNAP, emergency rental assistance through your county DSS, HEAP for utilities. The applications take time to process so get them in ASAP. I also found local food pantries and community organizations were lifesavers during the gap. Check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for resources in your area. The system isn't great but there are more safety nets than it initially appears. You've been doing everything right - keep pushing forward!

I'm going through this exact same issue and it's so frustrating! 😤 I've been trying to update my direct deposit for over a week now and keep getting that "mother's maiden name doesn't match" error. Reading through all these amazing responses has given me so much hope though! One thing I want to add that might help others: check if your mom ever used different versions of her name for different purposes. My mom used her full legal name "Patricia" on official documents but went by "Patty" socially and sometimes "Pat" professionally. I'm realizing I might have used one of the shortened versions when I quickly filled out the form years ago. Also, if your family is from a culture where names are structured differently (like having multiple middle names or family names), you might have entered a different combination than what's in their system. My mom has both her father's and grandfather's surnames in some old documents, so I'm going to try those variations too. I'm definitely going to try the systematic approach everyone's mentioned - making a list of every possible variation and working through them methodically. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become name detectives just to access our own benefits, but this community support is keeping me sane! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so reassuring to know we're not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare! I'll update if I crack my personal mystery 🤞

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! 😫 Been locked out for almost two weeks and was seriously starting to think I was going insane. This thread has been an absolute lifesaver though - I never realized there were SO many possible variations to try! One thing I'll add that might help: if your mom ever had a hyphenated maiden name that she later dropped part of, you might have entered the full version originally but the system only has the shortened version (or vice versa). My mom's original name was "Garcia-Rodriguez" but she dropped the "Rodriguez" part years ago, and I'm wondering if I used the full hyphenated version when I signed up. Also, don't forget to try common misspellings! I just realized I might have typo'd when I was rushing through the original signup - like entering "Johnston" instead of "Johnson" or something simple like that. I'm making my own systematic checklist based on all the brilliant suggestions here: original/updated spellings, ALL CAPS vs mixed case, with/without hyphens and spaces, middle initials, birth years, nicknames, professional names, confirmation names, cultural naming variations, and now potential typos. Going to work through every single combination before my next phone attempt! It's absolutely insane that we need forensic genealogy skills just to update our bank info, but this community detective work is amazing. Thanks everyone for making me feel less alone in this bureaucratic hell! Will definitely update when I crack my code 🕵️‍♀️💪

I'm new here but going through almost the exact same thing! My hours at a retail chain got cut from about 35 to 14 per week starting a month ago. Reading all these success stories, especially @Jamal Brown and @Savannah Vin, has been so encouraging and helpful for understanding how to approach this properly. I've been really stressed about whether I'd have any chance of getting unemployment if I quit, but it sounds like with proper documentation and following the right steps, it's definitely possible. I've started keeping screenshots of my schedules and I'm planning to have a formal conversation with my manager this week about restoring my hours, followed by a written email request. The financial reality is hitting hard - I'm already struggling to cover basic expenses and it's only getting worse. Has anyone dealt with a manager who keeps promising things will "get better soon" but never gives specific timelines? Mine has been saying that for weeks now and I'm not sure how long I should wait before considering other options. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this thread has been exactly what I needed to find some hope and a clear path forward!

I'm new to this community and currently facing a similar situation - my hours at a department store just got reduced from 30 to about 13 per week starting two weeks ago. Reading through all these detailed experiences, especially @Jamal Brown and @Savannah Vin's success stories, has been incredibly helpful and gives me real confidence that this could work with the right approach. I've already started taking screenshots of my schedules and keeping notes of conversations, but I realize I need to be more systematic about the documentation process. My manager keeps saying the cuts are due to "reduced foot traffic" but won't give any timeline for when things might improve. I'm planning to send a formal written request this week asking for restoration of my hours and a specific timeline for their response. The financial impact is already significant - I'm worried about making my car payment next week. What's really encouraging is seeing how many people have successfully navigated this process by being methodical and patient while still protecting their financial interests. Has anyone had experience with employers who blame external factors like "reduced foot traffic" or "economic conditions" for the cuts? I'm wondering if that affects how you build your case or if the same documentation principles apply regardless of their stated reasoning. Thank you all for sharing such detailed experiences - this thread has been exactly what I needed to understand my options!

This is so unfair! How are we supposed to survive when they take most of our benefits for back support? The whole system is broken.

If you're concerned about the deduction amount, you might want to contact your local child support enforcement office to discuss a payment plan modification. Sometimes they can work with you to adjust the amount being taken from your unemployment benefits, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You can also request that they leave you with enough to cover basic living expenses - there are usually minimum amounts they have to leave you with. Document everything and keep records of all your communications with both the child support office and NYS Department of Labor.