Just to add - make sure you set up direct deposit if you haven't already. The debit card option works but direct deposit is usually faster and more reliable. You can update your payment method in your my.ny.gov account under the unemployment section.

One thing to watch out for - if you miss your weekly certification deadline (usually Sunday at 7:30 PM), you can still file late but it might delay your payment by a few days. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to certify one week and had to call to get it sorted out. Also, keep an eye on your benefit balance in the system - it shows how many weeks you have left. The maximum is usually 26 weeks but can be extended during high unemployment periods.

Could be a bank issue too, not just unemployment. Sometimes my bank holds the deposit for 24-48 hours before it shows in my account, even though it says it's been processed on the unemployment side.

This exact same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago! Filed Sunday, usually get paid Thursday, but nothing came through. I was panicking because I really needed that money. Turns out they had put a "hold" on my account for some random review - didn't even notify me. Had to call 3 times before I got through to someone who could explain what was going on. The agent said it happens more frequently now because they're being extra cautious about fraud. Once they cleared the hold, I got my payment the next day plus the delayed one. Definitely try calling if nothing shows up by Monday, but don't stress too much - it's probably just a system glitch or routine review.

Just want to say good luck with your job search! The restaurant industry has been tough but things are picking up in my area.

@Sergio Neal - You can find the work search log form on the NYS Department of Labor website under the unemployment section, or they sometimes mail it with your initial paperwork. But honestly, you can just create your own simple log as long as it includes the required info: date, employer name, contact method, position applied for, and result. I keep mine in a simple notebook and it's worked fine for over a year of claims. The key is being consistent and detailed - don't wait until the last minute to catch up on your documentation like I did at first!

What about financial aid? Have you looked into grants and student loans? That might be a better path than trying to work around unemployment rules. Plus if you qualify for Pell grants you might not need as much other support.

You might want to look into work-study programs or part-time enrollment options. Some people I know have had success keeping a part-time job while taking classes part-time - it takes longer to finish but you maintain some income and work history. Also, some employers offer tuition assistance programs, so you could potentially stay at your current job and see if they'd help with school costs. It's worth asking HR about educational benefits before you quit entirely.

same boat here! been claiming for 6 months and every week i worry something will trigger a review. the anxiety is almost worse than being unemployed lol

I totally get that anxiety! I've been claiming for about 4 months and constantly second-guess myself even though I know I'm doing everything right. What helps me is keeping a detailed spreadsheet of all my job applications, interview dates, and any freelance work with exact amounts and dates. I also screenshot my weekly certifications before submitting them. Having everything organized gives me peace of mind that if they ever did audit me, I'd have all the documentation ready to go. The way I see it, if you're being honest and following the rules, an audit is just paperwork - annoying but not scary.