just file online its not that complicated, i did mine in like 10 minutes and got approved

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my marketing job and had to take a part-time gig at a coffee shop. The NYS Department of Labor was actually really helpful once I got through the initial application process. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - make sure you keep detailed records of ALL your part-time earnings and hours worked each week. They'll ask for this information when you file your weekly claims, and having everything organized made the process so much smoother. Also, don't be discouraged if your first payment takes a bit longer than expected - mine took about 3 weeks, but the back pay covered everything once it came through. You definitely qualify for partial benefits given your situation!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread is a lifesaver! Got my denial letter last week for insufficient base period wages but the system still lets me certify. I was panicking thinking I might accidentally commit fraud or something, but after reading all your experiences it sounds like this is totally normal when they're evaluating you for the alternate base period. My denial letter does mention the ABP evaluation too, so I'm going to keep certifying weekly like everyone suggests. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't make this clearer - like why can't they just send a message saying "hey, we're still reviewing your case under different criteria, keep certifying"? Anyway, thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who got approved eventually. Gives me hope that this will work out! I'll definitely keep detailed records of everything and try calling them when I get a chance, though it sounds like getting through is a nightmare.

I'm a new community member and just stumbled across this thread while dealing with my own NY unemployment confusion - this has been incredibly helpful! I received a denial letter three days ago for insufficient base period wages, but like everyone else here, I can still certify weekly in the system. I was absolutely terrified I was doing something wrong and might get in trouble, but after reading through all these experiences, I feel so much better knowing this is a normal part of the process when they're evaluating you for an alternate base period. I checked my denial letter again and it does mention ABP evaluation, so I'm going to keep certifying like everyone recommends. It's amazing how much clearer this all becomes when you have real people sharing their actual experiences rather than trying to decipher the confusing official documentation. Thank you to everyone who took the time to explain their situations - you've probably saved a lot of people from making mistakes during an already stressful time!

Just to add - make sure you have all your employment history ready when you file. You'll need dates, wages, and reason for separation for your most recent employers. Having everything organized beforehand makes the application process much smoother.

One thing to keep in mind - when you file your initial claim, you'll also need to register for work search requirements. Even though you're receiving severance, NYS Department of Labor typically requires you to be actively looking for work to maintain eligibility. Make sure you understand what counts as valid work search activities and keep records of your job search efforts from day one. The requirements can be pretty strict, so it's better to start documenting your search activities right away rather than scrambling later when your severance ends.

I'm jumping in here because I just went through this exact same situation 2 months ago - NY benefits expired, three kids, former restaurant worker, the whole thing. It's absolutely terrifying but you WILL get through this. Here's what actually worked for me: I applied for emergency SNAP and HEAP the same day my benefits ended (don't wait - the approval process takes time). Then I hit up every single temp agency in my area in one day - brought copies of my resume and was working within 48 hours doing warehouse shifts. Not glamorous but it kept food on the table. The game changer was when I found out about NY's Rapid Response services - they're specifically for people who've exhausted unemployment. They connected me with a 6-week customer service training program that was completely free and included job placement help. I'm now working full-time at a credit union making $22/hour with full benefits. The key is to take ANY income while you build toward something better. Also, hit up local food pantries immediately - there's no shame in feeding your kids. You're a good parent doing whatever it takes. This community has given you amazing advice - now just pick 2-3 things and start tomorrow. You've got this!

I'm reading through all these responses and just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year - don't overlook your local Workforce1 Career Centers. They have services specifically for parents like emergency childcare assistance while you're job hunting or in interviews, which was a huge help for me. They also have partnerships with employers who understand that people coming off unemployment need flexible start dates and are willing to work with your situation. The center near me had a "rapid hire" event every Friday where local employers would do on-the-spot interviews for immediate openings. I know it feels impossible right now, but you're clearly a hard worker (6 years at the same restaurant shows loyalty and reliability) and employers need people like that. Also, with all your restaurant experience, don't forget about catering companies - they often pay better than restaurants and the work can be more predictable. Some even offer benefits if you work a certain number of events per month. Keep pushing forward - from everything I'm reading here, you're building a solid plan and you're going to make it through this!

I'm also dealing with NYS Department of Labor right now and the whole process is pretty overwhelming as a first-time filer. From what I've learned reading through everyone's responses, it sounds like the weekly benefit is roughly half of what you were earning, but capped at that $504 maximum. The part about needing $2,600 minimum in your base period is really important - I almost didn't qualify because of that requirement. Has anyone here had experience with the appeals process if your initial calculation seems wrong? I'm worried they might make an error with my wages since I had a few different part-time jobs during my base period.

Based on your $420 weekly earnings, you should expect around $210 per week in benefits. I filed earlier this year with similar part-time earnings and that's exactly what I received from NYS Department of Labor. One tip - when you apply online, make sure to have your Social Security card and driver's license handy, plus any W-2s or pay stubs from the past 18 months. The system will ask for your employer information going back to your base period. Also, file your claim on Sunday night or early Monday morning if possible - the website gets overloaded during peak hours and you might get kicked out halfway through the application. The whole process took me about 45 minutes to complete once I had all my documents ready.