Update: I finally got through!!! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested above and spoke with a representative. Turns out there was a glitch in their system that applied my tax withholding AND student loan garnishment retroactively, so they took out 8 weeks worth of deductions all at once! The rep submitted a correction request and said my next payment should be back to normal, and they'll refund the extra amount they took out within 2-3 weeks. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

So glad you got through and figured it out! That system glitch sounds like a nightmare - taking 8 weeks of deductions all at once is brutal. I've been dealing with similar issues trying to reach DOL for my own claim problems. Quick question - about how long did the Claimyr service take to get you connected? And did they charge upfront or after they got you through? Trying to decide if it's worth it for my situation too.

wait so if you work for the federal government you can still get state unemployment? that seems weird to me, shouldn't there be like federal unemployment or something?

I'm actually in a similar situation - work for a federal agency in Syracuse and we've been getting briefings about potential workforce reductions. From what I understand, you'll want to make sure you have your most recent pay statements and any documentation about your job classification. One thing I learned from talking to HR is that federal employees sometimes qualify for higher weekly benefit amounts because our wages are often above the state average. Also, if you do get laid off, file your claim immediately - don't wait. NYS Department of Labor processes federal employee claims regularly, but during mass layoffs there can be a backlog. I've been preparing by gathering all my employment documents just in case.

Pro tip: call your state rep's office if you get stuck in pending status after refiling. They can escalate your claim. Saved me after 5 weeks of nothing.

I was in this exact situation a few months ago! File your new claim immediately - don't wait. I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I needed to, and it caused unnecessary delays. The key thing to understand is that when your benefit year ends, you need to establish a new claim to continue receiving benefits. Here's what worked for me: I called first thing Monday morning after my benefit year ended. Yes, their phone system is terrible, but persistence pays off. Have all your info ready - SSN, employment history from the past year, and any wages you earned during your benefit year (even small amounts matter). The rep will determine if you qualify for a new regular claim based on wages earned during your previous benefit year. If you don't qualify for a new claim, they'll check if you're eligible for any extension programs that might be available. Don't stress too much about the horror stories - while the system has issues, many people do get their claims processed smoothly. The important thing is to be proactive and call them directly rather than trying to figure it out online. Good luck!

I'm in a similar boat - just filed my claim three days ago after my company had massive layoffs. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking! It sounds like the timeline really depends on whether your case is straightforward or needs investigation. For what it's worth, I called the 888 number yesterday and surprisingly got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The agent confirmed that retail/store closures typically don't require adjudication since the reason for separation is clear. She also emphasized what others have said here - keep filing those weekly claims even while waiting for initial approval. I set a Sunday reminder on my phone so I don't forget. Fingers crossed we both get approved quickly!

I went through this exact process about 6 months ago when my retail store closed down unexpectedly. Since you mentioned you were laid off due to store closing, that's actually one of the best-case scenarios for quick approval - there's no ambiguity about why you're unemployed. I got my first payment in 12 days, but here's what I learned: 1) File your weekly claims immediately (I made the mistake of waiting and lost my first week), 2) Upload any separation documents you have right away through the portal, and 3) Check your my.ny.gov account daily for messages. The system will show "pending" for a while which is normal. Given that rent is due in 2 weeks, you might also want to reach out to your landlord to explain the situation - many are understanding about unemployment delays. Also check if your local area has any emergency rental assistance programs while you wait. Hang in there, the waiting is the hardest part but store closures usually process pretty smoothly!

I just want to say thank you SO much to everyone who shared their experiences here! I was honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed and stressed about this whole situation, but reading through all your responses has given me so much hope and practical advice. I had no idea about the day-counting system in NY or that I could potentially negotiate with my manager about clustering shifts. I'm definitely going to apply ASAP since so many of you mentioned the waiting week. It's really reassuring to hear from people who've been through the exact same thing and came out okay. The fact that they base the benefit amount on my full-time earnings rather than current reduced pay is honestly such a relief. I'm going to start gathering all my documentation today and submit my application this weekend. Fingers crossed my employer doesn't contest it, but at least now I know what to expect if they do. You all are lifesavers - seriously! Will update once I get through the process in case it helps other people in similar situations.

I'm in a really similar situation right now - my hours got cut from 32 to about 18 per week at my grocery store job last month. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea that NY counts days worked instead of hours, which seems so backwards to me. The idea about clustering shifts into fewer days is brilliant - I'm definitely going to talk to my supervisor about that. One thing I'm wondering about though - has anyone dealt with employers who are resistant to changing your schedule once they find out you're applying for unemployment? I'm worried my manager might get defensive or think I'm trying to take advantage of the system. Also, for those who successfully got benefits, how much of a difference did it actually make in your monthly budget? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the potential awkwardness with my employer or if I should just tough it out and keep job hunting without applying. Any advice would be really appreciated!