Make sure your employer files the correct paperwork with NYS Department of Labor indicating it's a seasonal layoff - this can really speed up the process. When I worked for a tree service company, my boss would file what they called a "mass layoff notice" every fall for all the seasonal workers. It helped our claims get processed much faster than individual layoffs. You might want to ask your landscaping company if they do bulk seasonal filings. Also keep all your pay stubs from this season as proof of your work history, just in case they ask for documentation later.

Your coworker is definitely wrong about seasonal workers not being able to collect unemployment! I've been working seasonal jobs in NY for years and always get benefits during my off periods. The key things to remember: file your claim immediately when you're laid off (don't wait), keep detailed records of your earnings and work dates from this season, and be honest about your seasonal status when filling out the application. NYS DOL actually has a pretty good system for handling seasonal claims once you understand how it works. One tip - if you know approximately when you'll be called back to work in spring, mention that in your claim but still follow all the job search requirements until you actually return to work.

This is exactly what I needed to see! I've been banging my head against the wall for 6 weeks trying to get through to someone at NYSDOL. My claim has been stuck on "pending" since I filed and I was starting to think it was hopeless. I had no idea contacting my state senator was even an option - I thought they only dealt with like, big policy stuff. Going to look up my rep right now and send them an email today. Did you have to provide any specific documentation when you contacted them, or just explain the situation? Really hoping this works because I'm running out of savings fast!

This is such valuable info - wish I'd known about this months ago! I've been stuck in pending status since January with an identity verification issue that nobody seems able to fix through normal channels. The automated system keeps telling me to upload documents but then says they can't process them. I must have called 100+ times and only got through twice, both times they said they'd escalate it but nothing happened. Definitely going to contact my state senator tomorrow morning. Did you have to provide proof of your financial hardship or did they help just based on the claim being delayed? My situation is getting pretty desperate with bills piling up.

Just wanted to add that while they don't send regular emails, you might get one if there's an issue with your weekly certification or if your claim gets flagged for review. I got an email once when I missed my weekly filing deadline - it was pretty generic but did direct me to log into my account to resolve the issue. The key thing is definitely checking your online messages frequently since that's where all the real communication happens.

I've been dealing with NYS DOL for a few months now and can confirm what others have said - they rarely send actual emails. Most communication happens through the my.ny.gov messaging system. One thing I learned the hard way is to screenshot important messages in your inbox because sometimes older messages seem to disappear or get buried. Also, if you're waiting on adjudication like I was, don't panic if you don't hear anything for weeks - that seems to be normal unfortunately. The text notification feature that Connor mentioned is definitely worth setting up though!

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just make it simple for people who are already going through hard times

@Dylan Evans, I went through something similar when I moved from NY to Florida to help with my elderly father. A few key things that helped me: 1) Get a letter from your mom's doctor detailing her condition and need for care - this was crucial for proving "good cause" 2) Keep records of any communication with your employer about remote work options (emails, etc.) to show you tried to keep the job 3) File your claim ASAP even while gathering documents - you can submit additional proof during adjudication. The process was stressful but NYS Department of Labor did approve my case once I provided the medical documentation. Hang in there!

The whole unemployment system is so confusing with all these random fields they ask for. Half the time NYS Department of Labor already has the information anyway but they still make you jump through hoops. Just fill out what you can and submit it - they'll contact you if they need anything else.

I had the exact same issue when I filed a few months ago! I spent way too much time searching through old documents looking for this number. Turns out you can just skip it entirely. NYS Department of Labor will match your employer based on the business name and your Social Security number from their records. Don't stress about it - just make sure you have the correct business name and address and you'll be fine.