wait so if i got unemployment do i need to file taxes even if i didnt work? i thought you only filed if you made over a certain amount

Just want to add for anyone still confused - make sure you keep a copy of your 1099-G form and any other unemployment documentation. The IRS sometimes has issues matching up the forms, so having your records is crucial. Also, if you received unemployment from multiple states or programs, you'll need to report all of them. I made the mistake of only reporting my NYS benefits and forgot about some federal pandemic assistance I got early in the year.

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'm also waiting on my unemployment claim after being laid off two weeks ago - this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on what everyone is sharing, it sounds like the key is to keep filing weekly claims even while the initial application is being processed. I made the mistake of waiting and now I'm worried I missed my first week. Can you still claim a week retroactively if you missed filing it initially? Also, for those who got through to an actual agent at NYS Department of Labor, what time of day did you have the best luck calling? I've been trying the 888 number but keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after long holds.

Based on your work history, you should definitely qualify for a new unemployment claim! Working from September 2024 to April 2025 gives you wages in multiple quarters (Q3 and Q4 of 2024, plus Q1 of 2025), which easily meets NY's requirements. I was in a similar situation - had an old claim from 2022, then worked for about 8 months before getting laid off again in early 2024. I was nervous about reapplying but it turned out to be straightforward. The system automatically calculates which base period gives you the best benefit rate, so you don't have to worry about that part. When you file, use your existing NY.gov account and select "File a New Claim" rather than trying to reopen your old one. Have your employment dates and employer info ready, but don't stress too much about the wage amounts since they pull that data from employer reports anyway. The hardest part honestly is just getting past the anxiety of navigating their website - once you actually start the application it's pretty step-by-step. Good luck!

Hey Rami! I was in almost the exact same boat last year - got laid off in late 2023, collected benefits, then worked a contract job from August 2024 until February 2025 when it ended. I was super worried about whether I'd qualify again but it turned out to be no problem at all! Your work from September 2024 to April 2025 definitely qualifies you for a new claim. Since you worked across multiple quarters (Q3 2024, Q4 2024, and Q1 2025), you easily meet the requirements. The system will automatically use whichever base period gives you the higher benefit amount. When I filed my new claim, I used my existing NY.gov login and selected "File a New Claim" - don't try to reopen your old one from 2023. The application asked for all my employment info from the past 18 months, so have your temp job details ready (start date, end date, employer info, reason for separation). One thing that surprised me was how much faster the process was the second time around - I think because all my basic info was already in the system. Got approved within about 10 days and payments started right after that. Don't stress too much about the wage calculations or whether you'll qualify - your work history clearly meets the requirements. The hardest part is just getting through their confusing website interface! You've got this.

I work at a post office and can confirm what everyone is saying - these KeyBank unemployment cards do come in very plain envelopes that look like regular business mail or even credit card offers. We see them all the time and honestly, they're designed to be discreet for security reasons. A few tips from the postal side: The envelope will usually have a barcode at the bottom, standard first-class postage, and the KeyBank return address (often from their Ohio processing center). If you're really worried about missing it, you can put a mail hold at your local post office and pick up your mail in person for a week or two while you're expecting it. That way nothing gets lost or accidentally thrown away. Just bring ID and they can hold your mail for up to 30 days. Also, if you have a mailbox that's easily accessible to others, consider getting mail delivery to your local post office instead during this time - it's called General Delivery and it's free.

I just wanted to add that if you're checking your mail regularly but still haven't received your card after 2 weeks, there's another option to consider. You can actually access your benefits online through the KeyBank website even before the physical card arrives. Once your payment is issued (which you can see in your NY unemployment portal), you can create an online account with KeyBank using your SSN and some personal info. From there you can see your balance and even transfer money to your own bank account if needed. I had to do this when my card was delayed by almost 3 weeks due to a postal issue in my area. It was a lifesaver because I could still access my benefits while waiting for the replacement card to arrive. Just make sure to keep the card request active with KeyBank even if you're accessing funds online, since you'll eventually need it for ATM access and in-person purchases.

Just keep checking your account daily. Sometimes the status changes without any notification. Also make sure you're keeping up with any job search requirements even during the review - they'll ask about that later if you get approved.

I went through the same thing about 6 months ago - the "under review" status is totally normal and doesn't mean there's a problem with your claim. NYS DOL has to verify everything before they can start paying benefits. In my case, it took about 3.5 weeks and then I got approved with full backpay. The key thing is to keep filing your weekly certifications even while it's under review - don't skip any weeks or you'll lose those payments even after approval. Also, they do contact your former employer automatically to verify the reason for separation, so you don't need to do anything on that front. Try not to stress too much about it!