I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I filed in early February after being laid off from my full-time job, but I had also quit a small retail job about 3 weeks before the layoff because they kept scheduling me during my main job's hours. Been pending for about 5 weeks now with zero updates. The financial stress is overwhelming - I've been burning through my savings and have no idea if I'm waiting for an approval or eventual denial. Reading everyone's experiences here is the first time I've felt like I'm not completely alone in this nightmare. I'm definitely going to try the legislative inquiry route that Omar mentioned - I had no idea that was even an option! Also going to look into that Claimyr service since calling the regular number has been completely useless. For those asking about the secure messaging system - I tried it about 2 weeks ago and got a generic "your claim is under review" response after 10 days that gave no real information. But at least it confirmed someone is looking at these cases. Keep certifying every week like Aurora said - that advice about losing payments if you don't certify really scared me straight! Hopefully we'll all start seeing some movement on our claims soon. This system is absolutely broken but it sounds like most people with our quit/layoff situations eventually get approved.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation and it's so frustrating! Filed in late January after getting laid off from my main job, but I had also quit a small delivery driving job a few weeks earlier because they kept changing my routes to conflict with my full-time schedule. Been stuck on pending for about 6 weeks now. The uncertainty is killing me - I keep wondering if I should just assume I'm getting denied and focus entirely on job hunting, or if there's still hope. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me some optimism though. It sounds like having a legitimate reason for quitting the part-time job (like schedule conflicts) should work in my favor. I'm definitely going to try contacting my assemblyperson's office for that legislative inquiry. Never knew that was an option but it sounds like it actually gets results! Also planning to look into the Claimyr service since I've called the main number probably 50 times with no luck. Keep certifying every week - that advice has been drilled into my head from reading this thread! At least if I eventually get approved, I won't lose out on any payments. Hang in there everyone, we're all in this mess together and it sounds like most people eventually make it through the system.

I had my virtual review appointment about 3 weeks ago and can totally relate to your anxiety about it! I was also worried about connection issues since I live in an area with spotty service. Here's what helped me get through it smoothly: 1. **Connection backup plan**: I ended up going to a friend's house who has reliable wifi and used wifi calling. The library idea others mentioned is great too! 2. **Preparation made all the difference**: I spent the evening before organizing all my job search records into a simple document with dates, company names, positions, and how I applied. They asked me about specific applications from the past few weeks. 3. **JobZone profile**: Make sure it's 100% updated with your current resume. They definitely asked about it and seemed to check while we were talking. 4. **They were actually helpful**: The rep I spoke with was genuinely nice and gave me some job search tips I hadn't thought of. She even mentioned some resources for people in my field. The call lasted about an hour (not the full 90 minutes they warn about) and they called about 40 minutes late. Just keep your phone charged and nearby during that window! Honestly, as long as you're genuinely looking for work and have records to show it, you'll be fine. They're not trying to trick you - it really did feel more like a check-in than an interrogation. You've got this!

I just completed my mandatory virtual review appointment last month and wanted to share some tips that really helped me, especially since you mentioned connection concerns! First, about the connection issue - I had the same worry since my home internet can be unreliable. What saved me was going to a local coffee shop with strong wifi and finding a quiet corner. I brought headphones and used my phone's wifi calling feature as backup. The call lasted about 65 minutes, and they called roughly an hour late (way better than the 2-hour warning). Here's what they focused on during my call: - Detailed review of my work search efforts (they wanted specifics about companies, positions, dates) - Whether I was using JobZone effectively (make sure your profile is current!) - Any barriers I was facing in my job search - Resources they could offer to help improve my search strategy The rep was actually really understanding and helpful. When I mentioned I was having trouble finding remote opportunities in my field, she gave me several job boards I hadn't heard of before. My biggest advice: create a simple log of all your job applications with company name, position, date applied, and method (Indeed, company website, etc.). Having this organized made the conversation flow so much smoother. Also, don't stress too much - they genuinely seemed focused on helping rather than finding reasons to cut benefits. You'll do great! Just be prepared and honest about your efforts.

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible honestly. Between the weekly claims, job search requirements, and all the bureaucracy, it feels like they don't want you to actually get benefits. But you need the money so you jump through all their hoops.

I went through this same process last year when I got laid off. One thing that really helped me was setting up direct deposit right away - it makes getting your payments much faster than waiting for checks in the mail. Also, download the NY.gov mobile app if you have a smartphone. It makes filing your weekly claims way easier than trying to do it on the website every time. The app remembers your information and you can file your claim in like 2 minutes once you get the hang of it. Just make sure you file before the Sunday deadline each week or you'll miss that week's payment entirely.

I swear, dealing with unemployment is like playing whack-a-mole. Fix one problem and another pops up 🙃

I had this exact same issue a few months ago! Turns out my account had been temporarily locked due to "suspicious activity" (which was just me trying to log in too many times with what I thought was the correct PIN). What finally worked for me was calling the technical support line specifically (not the general unemployment line) and explaining that I couldn't access my account despite being certain my PIN was correct. They were able to unlock it immediately and walked me through resetting it. The tech support number should be listed separately on your state's unemployment website. Hope this helps!

Just want to add that if you have any issues with your application being denied or if they say you don't meet the requirements, you can appeal the decision. I had to appeal when they initially said I didn't have enough earnings but I won the appeal. The key is having all your pay stubs and documentation ready.

One more tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure to have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. You'll also need your employer's information including their address and the reason you're no longer working there. The system will ask for your last day worked and last day paid (these might be different if you got severance or vacation payout). Also, file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - there's no waiting period in NY to file, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim, even if you were eligible.