Don't stress too much about it if you've been reporting everything honestly! I was on unemployment for about 6 months last year and had the same worries. The key thing is that NYS DOL has to prove you did something wrong - they can't just randomly decide you owe money. Most overpayment cases happen when people either don't report work income, work while claiming they're available, or provide false information. Since you mentioned you've been reporting your temp jobs, you're already doing the right thing. The system is actually pretty good at catching discrepancies early on, so if you were going to have issues, you'd likely know within a few weeks rather than months later.

I totally understand your anxiety about this - I was the same way when I was collecting benefits. One thing that really helped ease my mind was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track everything: dates I filed claims, any work I reported, amounts I earned, etc. That way if anything ever comes up, you have your own records to back up what you reported. Also, remember that the vast majority of people who file honestly never have issues. The horror stories tend to get shared more than the success stories where everything goes smoothly. You're being proactive by asking about this, which shows you're taking it seriously and doing things right.

Based on recent NYSDOL data, here's what most claimants can expect in 2025: - Simple claims (clean work history, employer doesn't contest): 1-2 weeks - Standard claims (typical situation): 2-3 weeks - Complex claims (multiple employers, eligibility questions): 3-6+ weeks The most important thing is to keep certifying weekly while you wait and respond immediately to any requests for additional information. About 70% of delays are caused by missing documentation or unanswered questions.

Just wanted to add that you should also make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one, even while waiting for approval. NY requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week once benefits start, and they can ask for proof retroactively. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log during a random audit. Keep a simple spreadsheet with company names, dates, positions applied for, and contact methods. It'll save you headaches later!

just had a baby last year and yeah you cant get unemployment while on maternity leave but definitely look into the disability thing someone mentioned above

I went through something similar when I had my second child. The key thing to understand is that unemployment requires you to be actively seeking work and available to start immediately, which you obviously can't do while recovering from childbirth. However, you might want to look into New York State Disability Insurance (DBL) - this covers short-term disability for pregnancy-related conditions including recovery time after delivery (usually 6-8 weeks for vaginal delivery, longer for C-section). You should also check if your employer has been deducting for Paid Family Leave from your paychecks - even small companies participate in this program. If they have, you could potentially get partial wage replacement. I'd recommend calling the NY State Department of Labor's disability line directly rather than the unemployment line to get accurate information about your specific situation.

I went through something very similar a few months ago. NYS Department of Labor considers several factors for "suitable work" including the wage compared to your previous job, travel distance, and whether you have the skills/experience for the position. A 45-minute commute each way plus $3/hour less pay would likely be valid reasons to decline, especially if you're still early in your benefit period. When I declined a similar offer, I made sure to document everything - the job details, why it wasn't suitable, and continued my active job search. I didn't face any penalties. The key is being able to justify your decision if they ask during your certification calls.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor uses a "substantially less favorable" standard for wages, and many sources suggest that's typically around 20% less than your previous wage. A $3/hour reduction could definitely qualify depending on your previous hourly rate. The 45-minute commute is also significant - that's 1.5 hours of unpaid travel time daily which adds up to substantial costs and time. I'd recommend calling NYS Department of Labor directly to discuss your specific situation before declining, and definitely keep detailed records of the job offer including the wage, location, hours, and lack of benefits. Document your reasoning for declining and continue actively job searching to show good faith effort.

I'm going through the exact same thing! I've had 3 interviews so far and just got notice for a fourth one. Like you, I have irregular gig work (driving for rideshare apps) where my hours and income change week to week depending on demand and my availability. What's really getting to me is how these interviews always seem to be scheduled at the worst possible times - right when I could be out earning money during peak hours. I've already lost probably $300+ in potential earnings having to stay home for these calls. Based on all the responses here, it sounds like our variable income reporting is what's triggering the system to flag our accounts as "suspicious." It's incredibly frustrating that being honest about irregular work patterns results in more bureaucratic hassles. I'm definitely going to try the supervisor request approach during my next interview. Has anyone had luck explaining to the reps that these repeated interviews are actually preventing us from actively job searching and working the gig jobs that supplement our unemployment? Seems counterproductive to their stated goals. Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare!

I'm a recent college graduate who started collecting unemployment in February after my temp job ended, and this thread is honestly terrifying me! I haven't had ANY interviews yet, but reading about everyone's experiences with 3-6 interviews has me wondering if I'm about to get hit with this too. I've been doing some freelance tutoring work that I report honestly each week - usually just $100-200 here and there - so it sounds like I fit the profile of someone who might get flagged for these redundant interviews. For those of you who have been through multiple interviews, do they ask the same questions every time? And is there anything you wish you had done differently during your first interview that might have prevented the subsequent ones? I'm trying to prepare myself in case I get my first interview letter soon. Also, has anyone tried reaching out to their local assembly member or state senator's office about this issue? Sometimes elected officials can help cut through bureaucratic red tape, especially when it's affecting so many constituents.