oh wow 5 weeks is crazy long! mine was approved like 3 days after my interview but that was back in march so maybe they're slower now?

I went through this exact same process a few months ago - had my phone interview on a Thursday and got my approval notice the following Tuesday. The interviewer told me the same thing about everything looking good, and fortunately it was! One thing that helped my anxiety during the wait was checking my online account every couple days rather than obsessively refreshing it daily. The status will change from "adjudication in progress" to either "approved" or they'll request more information. Since your interviewer seemed satisfied, I'd say you're in good shape. Hang in there - 5 weeks is definitely on the longer side but not unheard of, especially if they're backed up.

Document everything beforehand - write down the exact date, who told you about the layoff, what they said word for word, and any paperwork you received. During the interview, reference these facts rather than trying to remember on the spot. Also be prepared for them to ask the same question multiple ways to see if your story changes. Stay consistent and don't elaborate beyond what they're asking. If you're unsure about something, it's okay to say "I don't recall the exact details" rather than guessing.

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago - employer claimed misconduct when it was really downsizing. Key things that helped me: Never use emotional language like "unfair" or "they had it out for me" even if it feels true. Stick to neutral terms like "position eliminated" or "workforce reduction." If they ask about your relationship with your supervisor, keep it professional - "we had a normal working relationship" rather than getting into any personality conflicts. Also, if you have any documentation about the budget cuts (emails, company announcements, etc.) make sure to mention you have those available. The interviewer told me later that having concrete evidence really strengthened my case. You've got this!

Just went through this exact situation in January. You definitely need to file a new claim - don't wait until the last minute! I made that mistake and had a 2-week gap in payments. The good news is that if you qualify, your new benefit year starts fresh with up to 26 weeks of benefits again. But like others mentioned, your weekly amount could change depending on your wages during the new base period. I'd recommend applying online about 10 days before your current benefit year expires to give yourself some buffer time for processing.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefit year ends in about 6 weeks and I'm really nervous about the whole reapplication process. From reading everyone's responses, it sounds like the key is to apply early and be prepared for potential changes to your weekly benefit amount. Does anyone know if there are specific documents I should start gathering now to make the reapplication smoother? I want to avoid any delays since I'm still actively job searching but haven't found anything steady yet.

UGH this whole system is set up to screw workers over. They make it nearly impossible to quit a bad job and still get benefits. Meanwhile employers can fire you for any reason and you get unemployment no problem. Makes no sense.

Have you considered documenting whether your supervisor is giving you adequate notice for schedule changes? In NY, there are predictive scheduling laws for certain industries that require advance notice. If your employer is violating those rules, that could strengthen a "good cause" case. Also, keep track of how the hour cuts are affecting your total earnings - if you're earning significantly less than when you were hired, that might be considered constructive dismissal. The key is building a strong paper trail before you make any decisions.

Have you looked into whether your company offers any voluntary short-term disability insurance that might cover family caregiving situations? Some employers have expanded their STD policies to include family care leave. Also, depending on your father's condition, you might qualify as his caregiver for certain state programs that provide stipends or support services. It's worth checking with your local Area Agency on Aging - they often have resources for adult children caring for elderly parents that could help bridge the income gap during your leave.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my spouse needed emergency surgery and I had to take unpaid leave to care for them. What I learned is that even though you can't get unemployment during approved leave, you should definitely document everything in case your situation changes. If your father's condition worsens and your leave becomes indefinite, or if your employer changes the terms of your return, that could potentially change your eligibility. Also, make sure to keep all your medical documentation and correspondence with HR. I'd recommend calling your local Department of Social Services too - they might have emergency assistance programs for caregivers that could help with utilities or other expenses while you're not getting paid. Hang in there, it's a tough situation but you're doing the right thing for your family.