I'm in a similar boat - filed 10 days ago and still in adjudication. From what I've read online, the 10 business day deadline for employers is pretty standard across most states. What's frustrating is that there's no way to know if your employer even received the notice or if they're just ignoring it. I called the claims center twice but could never get through to an actual person. Hoping mine resolves soon too since I'm also dealing with bills piling up.

Just wanted to add that I went through this same situation about a year ago. My employer never responded and my claim was approved after exactly 15 business days (3 weeks). The NYS Department of Labor will send a final determination letter once they make their decision. One thing that helped me stay sane during the wait was setting up text alerts through the NY.gov website so I got notified immediately when my claim status changed. Also, if you're really stressed about rent, some local organizations have emergency assistance programs that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for unemployment to kick in. Check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for resources in your area.

Just wanted to say good luck with your claim! Being exhausted from overwork is totally understandable and hopefully NYS Department of Labor sees it that way too.

I went through something similar last year - fell asleep during a night shift after working back-to-back doubles. Got terminated but eventually received benefits after a lengthy adjudication process. The key things that helped my case were: 1) having documentation of my excessive work hours, 2) showing I had no prior disciplinary issues, and 3) demonstrating that the employer's staffing decisions contributed to unsafe working conditions. NYS Department of Labor took about 8 weeks to make their determination, but they ultimately ruled in my favor. Keep copies of everything and don't give up - exhaustion from employer-mandated overtime is different from personal negligence.

Pro tip: Write up a detailed description of your role, projects, and dates before you call. Makes it easier to explain clearly when you're on the spot!

As someone who's dealt with this recently, I'd also recommend getting a letter from your client if possible! Even if it was freelance work, having something on their letterhead that confirms the dates you worked and what you did can really help validate your employment history. The verification folks seem to love official-looking documents, even for gig work.

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm going to certify this Sunday, report that I've returned to work, and include my days worked and wages earned. Based on all your advice, that seems like the proper way to handle it. Appreciate all the responses!

Best of luck with your new position! Just wanted to add that you should also keep documentation of when you started your new job (like your offer letter or first day paperwork) in case there are any questions later. Having that proof of your start date can be helpful if NYSDOL ever needs to verify the timeline of your return to work. The certification process should handle everything automatically, but it's always good to have backup documentation for your records.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when I needed to clarify some issues with my claim status.

I went through this same situation when I was 66 and got laid off from my marketing job. Filed for unemployment with no issues at all - age is definitely not a disqualifying factor. The only thing they care about is whether you're actively seeking work and available to accept suitable employment. I actually found it helpful to apply for positions slightly below my previous level since employers sometimes assume older workers want too much money or won't stay long. Document everything for your weekly certifications and you'll be fine. Good luck with your job search!