This whole system is designed to confuse people and make them mess up so they can deny benefits. I swear they make these questions deliberately vague. I've been dealing with unemployment for 6 months and still second-guess myself every week. The 'suitable work' thing is especially ridiculous - they expect you to take any minimum wage job even if you're a skilled professional.

@TommyKapitz Don't stress too much about it! I was in the same boat when I first started filing. The most important thing is being honest and accurate. For your freelance income, yes report the full $90 gross amount. Keep records of everything - your freelance work, job applications, any work offers you receive or decline. I found it helpful to screenshot my weekly certification before submitting it, just so I have a record of what I reported. And if you're ever really unsure about something specific to your situation, try calling the DOL early in the morning (like right when they open) - you'll have better luck getting through than during peak hours.

I filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and just got my first payment yesterday, so hang in there! The waiting is definitely stressful especially when you're behind on bills. Make sure you're doing your weekly certifications religiously - that was the biggest thing that helped me get everything backdated once it was approved. Also check your online account daily for any messages or requests for additional info, because responding quickly to those can prevent delays. Since you mentioned it was a straightforward layoff, you should hopefully avoid the adjudication process that can really drag things out.

I just went through this process a few months ago and it took exactly 19 days from filing to getting my first direct deposit. Since you mentioned it was a straightforward layoff, that should work in your favor - those typically process faster than cases involving termination disputes. The most important thing is to keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting. I made that mistake initially and almost lost two weeks of benefits. Also, don't panic if you don't hear anything for the first couple weeks - that's completely normal. Check your online account regularly for any messages from NYS Department of Labor requesting additional documentation, because responding quickly to those can prevent major delays.

I was in a very similar situation about a year ago with a shoulder injury from my manufacturing job. Got my workers comp settlement and was cleared to work with lifting restrictions, but my employer couldn't accommodate them. Filed for unemployment right after getting medical clearance and had no issues with NYS Department of Labor regarding the settlement money. The settlement is NOT considered wages or income for UI purposes - it's compensation for your injury, not earnings from work. What really helped me was being completely upfront during my initial claim interview about the workers comp case, the restrictions, and why my previous employer couldn't take me back. The agent actually said it strengthened my case because it clearly showed I was unemployed through no fault of my own and was genuinely able to work within my limitations. Keep detailed records of every job application and note when employers can't accommodate your restrictions - this documentation is gold if they ever question your job search efforts. The process took about 3 weeks for approval in my case. Don't stress about the settlement affecting your eligibility, just focus on documenting that active job search!

I'm going through something very similar right now - just got my workers comp settlement last week for a back injury from my warehouse job. Reading through these responses is really helpful because I was also worried about the settlement money affecting my unemployment eligibility. It sounds like the key is being completely honest with NYS Department of Labor about everything - the injury, the settlement, the work restrictions, and why your previous employer can't take you back. I'm waiting for my final medical clearance appointment next week, and then I plan to file my UI claim immediately. The advice about keeping detailed records of job applications makes total sense - I'm definitely going to start a spreadsheet like some of you mentioned. It's frustrating that so many employers won't even consider you once you mention lifting restrictions, but it's good to know that actually helps your case with unemployment rather than hurting it. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

Just wanted to add that if you do decide to visit in person, bring multiple forms of ID and any documentation related to your claim (termination letter, pay stubs, etc.). I went to my local office last month and they turned me away the first time because I only brought my driver's license. They needed two forms of ID plus all my employment paperwork. Also, get there early - I've heard they sometimes stop taking walk-ins if they get too busy, even during posted hours.

I went through a similar situation a few months ago with my claim stuck in review. One thing that really helped was keeping a detailed log of every phone call attempt, including time of day and what happened (busy signal, disconnected, etc.). When I finally got through to someone, having those dates and times showed them how long I'd been trying to reach them, and they seemed more willing to escalate my case. Also, if you do make it to the Syracuse office, ask specifically for a supervisor if the first person you talk to says they can't help with adjudication issues - sometimes the front desk staff have limited access but supervisors can do more. The waiting is brutal but don't give up!

I went through something similar and the adjudication process was a nightmare. Make sure you respond to any requests for information immediately. Missing deadlines will hurt your case.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - had to leave due to harassment from my supervisor. From what I've learned, you need to frame it as "constructive discharge" rather than abandonment. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. Those text messages from your supervisor could definitely help your case! I'd recommend writing down a detailed timeline of all the incidents that led to your decision to leave, including dates, witnesses, and any documentation you have. Even if you didn't file formal HR complaints, contemporaneous evidence like those texts can be really valuable. Good luck with your claim!