One thing to keep in mind is that if your workers comp case gets resolved and you're still unable to return to your original job, you might then be eligible for unemployment benefits. Also, if your injury is permanent and affects your ability to do your old job, there might be vocational rehabilitation benefits available through workers comp that could help you train for new work. The timing of when you can apply for UI versus when workers comp ends is crucial.

I went through something similar when I injured my shoulder at my manufacturing job. You're right that you generally can't collect both at the same time, but there are a few things worth knowing. First, make sure you're getting the maximum workers comp rate - sometimes they calculate it wrong initially. Second, if your employer offers you modified duty that you can't physically do, document everything because that could potentially open the door to UI benefits later. Also, check if you qualify for any temporary assistance programs through DSS while you're waiting. The income gap between workers comp and your regular pay is brutal, I know. Keep all your medical documentation organized because you'll need it when transitioning between benefits systems.

same thing happened to my neighbor, she just ignored it and nothing happened to her unemployment

I'd also recommend documenting everything - keep copies of all the legal papers you received, any correspondence with the debt collector, and your unemployment benefit statements. If you do need to go to court, having this documentation will help prove that your only income is protected unemployment benefits. Also, if the debt collector continues to harass you after you've informed them about the exempt status of your benefits, that could be a violation of debt collection laws and you might want to consult with a consumer rights attorney.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Got locked out after too many PIN attempts and the security questions aren't working either. It's like they designed this system to keep people OUT instead of helping them get benefits. I've been reading through all these suggestions and I'm definitely going to try the One-Stop Career Center approach - sounds way more reliable than waiting weeks for a fraud statement or spending hours on hold. Has anyone had success getting their PIN reset at a career center recently? I want to make sure it's still working before I make the trip. Also gathering all my documents just in case - ID, Social Security card, recent pay stubs. This whole situation is such a mess but at least we're not suffering alone! 😤

I'm currently going through this exact nightmare too! Been locked out for over a week after forgetting my PIN and the security questions failing. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both frustrating and reassuring - frustrating because it's clear this system is completely broken, but reassuring because I'm definitely not alone in this mess. I'm planning to try the One-Stop Career Center approach based on all the positive feedback here. Already called ahead and they confirmed they can help with PIN resets if you bring proper ID, Social Security card, and employment documents. The staff person I spoke with said walk-ins are usually seen within 2-3 hours, which beats waiting weeks for fraud statement processing or spending $20 on calling services. For anyone else in this situation - don't give up! It sounds like persistence really does pay off with this system. I'll definitely update this thread once I try the career center route. We need more success stories to help others navigate this bureaucratic maze! 🤞

Did you check if your mail is being forwarded properly? I moved recently and forgot to update my forwarding address with USPS and that delayed my unemployment card by 2 weeks. Also make sure no one else in your building or neighbors accidentally got your mail.

I had a similar issue last month! My card took almost 4 weeks to arrive. Here's what worked for me: 1) Call KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 early in the morning (around 8 AM) to avoid long wait times, 2) Ask them to verify the mailing address they have on file - mine had a small typo that I didn't notice, 3) If the address is wrong or the card was lost in mail, they can expedite a replacement for free. Also, once you get your card, definitely set up direct deposit through the KeyBank app or website so you don't have to deal with this again. The whole process is frustrating but hang in there!

this whole system is ridiculous!! you're literally selling your BLOOD to survive and they want to penalize you for it? meanwhile rich people get tax breaks for breathing. the unemployment office makes everything so complicated on purpose to discourage people from claiming what they're entitled to

I work at a plasma center and can confirm that donation payments are considered reportable income by most state unemployment agencies, including New York. What you're receiving is compensation for your time and biological material, which makes it taxable income. We actually provide donors with 1099-MISC forms at the end of the year for amounts over $600. The good news is that NYS has that partial benefit calculation others mentioned - you won't lose your entire weekly benefit amount, just a portion based on what you earn. It's definitely better to report it accurately from the start rather than risk complications later.