I'm in a similar situation right now - just got laid off from my remote job last week and about to file. This thread is super helpful! One thing I'm wondering about is whether the work location affects anything else like which local job center I'd need to contact if they require in-person meetings? My company was based in NYC but I'm way upstate near Albany. Has anyone dealt with that aspect of remote work and unemployment?

This is really helpful information for all of us dealing with remote work unemployment situations! I just wanted to add that when you're filling out the application, there's usually a section where you can add notes or explanations. I'd recommend mentioning that you worked remotely in that section, even though you're using the employer's Manhattan address as your work location. That way if there are any questions during processing, the context is already there. Also, keep copies of any emails or documentation that show your remote work arrangement was approved by your employer - it can help if they need to verify your work situation later.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 8 days ago and the waiting is killing me! The automated phone line at 888-209-8124 that Zara mentioned was really helpful. When I called, it told me my claim was received and gave me my effective date, but still shows "pending review." One thing I noticed is that in the "Claim Summary" section of my.ny.gov (under Unemployment Services), there's a small status indicator that says either "Active," "Pending," or "Under Review" - you might need to scroll down to see it. Also, I've been keeping a log of all my weekly certifications just in case there are any issues later. Hang in there - from what everyone is saying, this waiting period seems pretty normal even though it's incredibly stressful when you need the money!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Filed my claim 9 days ago and the uncertainty is really stressful. Thanks to everyone who shared the automated phone number (888-209-8124) - I just called and it confirmed my claim was received with an effective date from my filing date. The status shows "under review" which matches what others are seeing. I found the status indicator in the Claim Summary section that Toot-n-Mighty mentioned - had to scroll down but it's there showing "Pending Review." It's frustrating that the system doesn't make this information more obvious, but at least now I know my claim is actually in their system and being processed. Going to keep doing my weekly certifications and try to be patient, though it's hard when you're worried about bills!

One thing to keep in mind is that the base period they use for calculating benefits is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at your earnings from January 2024 through September 2024. Since you've been working consistently for 8 months, you should have enough quarters to qualify. Also, don't forget that you need to have earned at least $2,600 in your highest quarter AND have total base period earnings of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount to be eligible.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer has been properly reporting your wages to the state. I had an issue where my part-time employer wasn't submitting my wage reports correctly, which delayed my claim processing. You can verify this by checking your Social Security earnings record or through the NY.gov portal. Also, if you do end up filing, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities since you'll need to certify that you're actively looking for work each week to continue receiving benefits.

I'm going through something similar right now with my catering business. One thing I learned is that you also need to notify NYS Department of Labor about your business closure through their online system - there's a specific form for ceasing operations. Also, make sure you keep all your payroll records for at least 4 years even after closing, because they might audit or request documentation later. The employees' unemployment claims could trigger questions about wages paid, so having those records accessible is crucial.

I'm sorry to hear about your business closure, Ravi. As someone who went through a similar situation with my small manufacturing company last year, I can confirm what others have said - you definitely need to stay on top of the NYS Department of Labor requirements even after closing. One thing I'd add is to also consider sending your former employees a brief letter or email letting them know about their unemployment eligibility and providing them with the NYS DOL website and phone number. When I closed my business, I found that being proactive about helping my employees understand their options actually made the whole process smoother for everyone involved. Also, don't forget to cancel your workers' compensation policy once you've handled all the unemployment obligations - that's another cost you can eliminate once everything is properly closed out.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Had to quit my job in January when my daycare suddenly announced they were closing with only 2 weeks notice. I've been living off my emergency fund but it's running out fast. Just submitted my questionnaire yesterday after waiting forever to get it, and now I'm terrified about whether I'll actually qualify since I technically quit too. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me some hope though - it sounds like childcare emergencies are more common than I thought and there are actually provisions for this kind of situation. I made sure to document everything: the daycare closure notice, emails from other centers showing no availability or crazy high prices ($800+/week in my area!), my conversation with my boss about remote work (they said absolutely not), and even my desperate LinkedIn posts asking my network for childcare recommendations. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're already stressed about money. Really hoping all these rumors about faster processing in 2025 are true because I don't know how much longer I can hold out financially. It's so frustrating that responsible parents get penalized for not being able to just abandon our kids! Keeping my fingers crossed that we all get good news soon.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been so helpful! Had to quit my job at a bank in late February when my childcare provider suddenly had a family emergency and couldn't watch my kids anymore. The timing was terrible because it happened right before spring break when all the backup options were already booked or unavailable. I've been waiting about 10 days since submitting my questionnaire and the anxiety is killing me. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - it sounds like having really detailed documentation is absolutely crucial. I kept everything I could think of: texts from my original childcare provider explaining the emergency, emails from 15+ other providers showing they were full or wanted $600+ per week, my conversation with my manager about flexible scheduling (they said no because of customer-facing requirements), and even my posts in neighborhood apps desperately looking for help. What's giving me the most hope is seeing how many people in similar situations have eventually gotten approved, even if it took appeals. The financial stress while waiting is so real though - especially when you're trying to secure new childcare arrangements AND look for a new job at the same time. Really crossing my fingers that these 2025 processing improvements everyone mentions are actually happening because this waiting period is brutal when savings are running low! Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it helps so much to know we're not alone in this impossible situation. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us!