same thing happened to me!! filed anyway and got approved. worst case scenario they deny you and you can appeal it. but like everyone said just file now dont wait

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - got fired for "performance issues" after 3 years at my company with zero written warnings. I was terrified I wouldn't qualify but I filed anyway and got approved! The key thing is that NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between being unable to do the job versus unwilling to do the job. If you were genuinely trying but just struggling with the role, that's not misconduct. Document everything you can remember about your termination meeting and any conversations leading up to it. Also, when you file online, be honest but brief - don't over-explain or make it sound like you agree you deserved to be fired. Good luck!

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was really helpful when I had questions about my claim status and couldn't get through on my own.

I went through this exact situation last year when my company did layoffs. Since you were terminated due to restructuring (not for cause), you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits. A few tips that helped me: 1) Apply online at labor.ny.gov TODAY - don't wait, 2) Have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup, 3) Keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one, and 4) Be prepared for the first payment to take 2-3 weeks. The weekly benefit amount is based on your previous earnings, typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum. Hang in there - the process can be stressful but the benefits will help cover your expenses while you look for new work.

Wait I thought there was like a 30 day rule or something? My cousin said you had to file within a month of losing your job or you couldn't get anything. Maybe that's different states though?

Don't worry Sydney, you haven't missed any deadline! In New York, there's no time limit for when you can first file your unemployment claim. The important thing to understand is that benefits only start from the week you actually file your application, not from when you first became unemployed. So those 6 weeks you've been out of work unfortunately won't be covered, but you can absolutely still file now and start receiving benefits going forward. Since your hours were cut to almost nothing, that could definitely qualify as "constructive dismissal" which would make you eligible. I'd recommend filing your claim online at the NYS DOL website today - the sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start.

the ny unemployment system runs on hamster wheels and prayer. applied in september, got first payment in october (about 4 weeks). just make sure ur claim is 100% accurate cuz any tiny mistake can add weeks to the process

Been there! Applied 3 weeks ago and still waiting - the anxiety is real when you're watching your savings disappear. From what I'm seeing here, it really depends on if your claim gets flagged for anything. Mine has been stuck on "pending" too with zero updates. One thing that's helped my peace of mind is knowing that as long as you keep doing your weekly certifications, you'll get backpay for everything once it finally processes. Still doesn't help with rent NOW though 😅 Have you tried calling early morning right when they open? Seems like that's when people have the best luck getting through to an actual person who can tell you what's going on with your specific case.

Nothing bad about it at all!! I filed when my restaurant closed during covid and it literally saved my life financially. The stigma is just old fashioned thinking.

Grace, please don't let outdated stigma prevent you from getting benefits you've earned! I work in HR and can tell you that filing for unemployment absolutely does not show up on background checks or hurt your employability. In fact, many employers understand that layoffs happen and it's completely normal. The only thing that might look bad to future employers is if you turn down reasonable job offers while collecting benefits, but as long as you're actively looking for work (which you have to document anyway), you're fine. File as soon as possible - you typically can't get benefits for weeks before you applied, so every day you wait is money lost. The NYS Department of Labor website walks you through everything step by step.