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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.
Just keep filing those weekly claims like the other person said. That's the most important thing - don't skip any weeks or you'll lose those payments even when you do get approved.
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.
My cousin had the same thing happen except it was a knee injury from construction work. He got approved for unemployment after his settlement but it took like 6 weeks for them to process everything. Just make sure you file right away and don't wait around.
I'm in a very similar situation right now - got a workers comp settlement for a wrist injury from my factory job about 3 months ago. The settlement money definitely doesn't count as wages for unemployment purposes. I filed my claim right after getting medical clearance to return to work with restrictions (no repetitive motions). NYS Department of Labor approved me without any issues related to the settlement. The main thing they care about is that you're able to work within your restrictions and actively looking for jobs that accommodate them. I keep a detailed log of all my applications and note when employers can't accommodate my restrictions. It's been a slow process finding work but the UI benefits have been a lifesaver while I search. Don't let the settlement money worry you - focus on documenting your job search efforts within your physical limitations.
The whole system is a mess honestly. Even when you do get to the office they just tell you to file online or call the 800 number. It's like they don't want to help anyone anymore.
I'm in a similar situation with my claim stuck in adjudication. For what it's worth, I called the Syracuse Career Center directly at (315) 479-3380 yesterday and got through after about 20 minutes on hold. They confirmed they're open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday, but walk-ins are limited and they strongly prefer appointments. The person I spoke with said most adjudication issues actually require review by their central office anyway, so visiting in person might not speed things up much. Still frustrating though - hope you get it sorted out soon!
Isabella Ferreira
The real problem is that government shutdowns create uncertainty and people start panicking about everything financial. Your UI benefits are safe but it's smart to have backup plans for essential expenses just in case there are any technical glitches or delays.
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Klaus Schmidt
This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who just started receiving UI benefits, I was definitely in panic mode about potential shutdowns. The distinction between state and federal programs makes so much sense now. I'm going to take everyone's advice about filing early on Sunday mornings and keeping documentation of my claims. One question though - if there ever were technical issues with the my.ny.gov system during a shutdown period (even though it's state-run), is there a backup way to certify for benefits? Or would we just have to wait for the system to come back online?
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Darren Brooks
•Great question about backup certification methods! From what I understand, if the online system goes down for any reason, you can still certify by phone using the Tele-Cert system. The number should be on your benefit determination letter or you can find it on the DOL website. I've never had to use it myself, but I've heard it's available 24/7 and walks you through the same weekly certification questions. You might also be able to certify in person at local career centers, though I'm not 100% sure about that option. The key thing is to keep trying and document your attempts - the DOL is usually understanding about technical issues that are beyond your control.
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NebulaNomad
•Thanks for the info about the Tele-Cert system! I actually had to use it once when the website was down for maintenance and it worked perfectly. You're right that it's available 24/7 - the automated system asks you the same questions as online (did you work, did you look for work, etc.) and you just respond with the keypad. It took maybe 5 minutes total. The only downside is you don't get the immediate confirmation screen like online, but you do get a confirmation number at the end. I'd definitely recommend having that phone number handy as a backup option, especially during uncertain times like potential shutdowns.
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