do u have ur confirmation numbers from when u certified those weeks? major key to getting backpay. they can see in their system u actually did certify

I went through this exact nightmare last year - benefits suddenly cut off, months of certifying with no payments, then started working before getting it resolved. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) The key is getting to someone who can actually SEE your account history. Most first-level reps can't do much. 2) When you call, say "I need to speak with someone about RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS for weeks I already certified." Don't let them brush you off. 3) Have all your certification confirmation numbers ready (sounds like you have screenshots which is perfect!) 4) Emphasize that you continued certifying throughout the gap period - this proves you were actively seeking benefits and following procedures. 5) The fact that you're now working doesn't disqualify you from backpay for eligible weeks when you were unemployed. I know the phone system is brutal, but one conversation with the right person can release everything at once. Some people here mentioned claimyr to get through faster - might be worth it given how much you're owed. Don't give up, that $5,400 is rightfully yours! 💪

I'm currently going through a furlough situation too - started last Monday. Just wanted to confirm what others have said: yes, you can definitely file for unemployment benefits in NY as a furloughed employee! I filed my claim online the day after my last work day and it was pretty straightforward. The system asks about your employment status and there's an option for "temporarily laid off" which covers furloughs. One tip that helped me - when they ask for your employer's information, make sure you have their full legal business name and FEIN number ready. You can usually find this on your pay stub or W-2. Also, don't stress too much about the job search requirement - I've been applying to a few positions each week just to meet the requirement, but you're not expected to take another job if your employer calls you back early. The benefits have been processing normally for me so far. Hang in there - this situation is stressful but the unemployment system does work for furloughed workers!

I went through a furlough last spring and want to add one more important tip - when you file your unemployment claim, make sure to keep a copy of any communication from your employer about the furlough (emails, letters, etc.). NYS Department of Labor may ask for documentation proving that you were indeed furloughed and not just laid off or fired. Also, if your employer offers any kind of partial pay or benefits during the furlough, you'll need to report that when you do your weekly certifications. Even small amounts can affect your benefit calculation. The good news is that most furlough situations are pretty clear-cut for unemployment eligibility - you're not working, not getting paid, but still technically employed. Just be honest and thorough in all your reporting and you should be fine!

my brother got out of prison 2 years ago and still cant find work. every application asks about criminal history and most places just throw it away after that. meanwhile he told me they were making furniture in prison for some big company and the prison was getting paid but the inmates got like 50 cents an hour. its totally backwards

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO KEEP PEOPLE UNEMPLOYED! Private prisons make money from keeping people locked up AND from the labor while they're inside. Then they get out and can't find work so they end up back in prison. It's not about rehabilitation - it's about profit. And regular working people suffer because our jobs get taken by literal slave labor.

Also make sure you're still doing your job search requirements even though benefits exhausted. I think you have to keep certifying that you're looking for work in case you do qualify for a new claim period. Don't want to mess up any future eligibility.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add that you should also check if there are any state or local assistance programs available while you're figuring out the unemployment situation. Many counties in NY have emergency rental assistance programs that can help with rent if you're facing eviction. Also, make sure to apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already - the income limits are higher now and it can help stretch your budget while you're looking for work. The process for a new unemployment claim can take a few weeks even if you do qualify, so having other support in place is crucial. Hang in there, this system is really tough to navigate but there are other resources out there.

make sure youre filing your quarterly reports on time too or they hit you with penalties. learned that the hard way last year

As someone who just started a small business in NY, this is really helpful information! I'm wondering about the quarterly reporting process - when exactly are those due dates throughout the year? And is there a minimum number of employees you need before you have to start paying into the unemployment insurance system? I want to make sure I'm compliant from day one.