The NYS Department of Labor website has information about this but it's buried in their FAQ section. The main thing is documenting that you're physically able to perform some type of work, even if it's not your previous job. Keep copies of all your medical reports and job applications to show you're making a good faith effort to find employment within your restrictions.

I went through this exact situation two years ago after a construction accident. The key thing to understand is that workers comp and unemployment serve different purposes - workers comp replaces wages you lost due to your injury, while unemployment helps when you're able to work but can't find suitable employment. You absolutely can collect both simultaneously as long as you're honest about your limitations and actively seeking work you can physically perform. Make sure to get a detailed work capacity evaluation from your doctor that specifies exactly what you can and cannot do. When you file your weekly certifications, be truthful about your restrictions and keep detailed records of every job you apply for. The NYS Department of Labor is actually pretty understanding about these situations once you explain your circumstances properly.

The whole unemployment system needs an overhaul. Other states manage to help families with dependents but NY just leaves you hanging. Typical bureaucracy.

I went through this same situation when I was laid off from my retail job. NY really doesn't provide any extra for dependents, which was a shock coming from another state. One thing that helped me was contacting 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connected me with local food banks and utility assistance programs that I didn't know existed. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. It's not unemployment benefits, but every bit helps when you're trying to make ends meet with kids.

If you absolutely need to reach someone at NY unemployment today, I'd recommend using claimyr.com - saved me hours of frustration last month when my account got flagged for verification. They wait on hold so you don't have to, then call you when they have an agent on the line. Talking to a real person is the only way to get anything fixed quickly in this broken system.

Just wanted to give everyone an update - I finally got through around 2pm using the cellular data trick that @Zoe Christodoulou mentioned! Had to turn off WiFi and use incognito mode in Chrome. Took a few tries but it worked. For anyone still stuck, I also noticed the site seems to load faster if you go directly to the certification page URL instead of logging in through the main homepage. Hope this helps someone else avoid the headache I've been dealing with all morning!

I'm in a similar situation and have been trying to call the NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about benefit amounts but can never get through! The phone lines are always busy and when I do get in the queue I get disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to reach them? This is so frustrating when you're trying to plan your finances.

just a heads up the weekly amounts change every year so make sure youre looking at 2025 rates not old info. also in nyc the cost of living is crazy so even the max barely covers rent but its better than nothing i guess

Just keep filing your weekly claims and be patient. The money will come eventually. I know it's stressful but there's not much you can do to speed it up unless there's a specific problem.

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed my claim two weeks ago and still waiting. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up direct deposit if you haven't already. That way when your payment does get approved, it'll hit your account faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail. Also, if you're really tight on bills, see if you can contact your landlord or utility companies to explain the situation - many have temporary hardship programs. The waiting is brutal but try to stay on top of those weekly certifications even if it feels pointless right now.