I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the physical symptoms from unemployment anxiety are real and brutal. I went through something similar last year when they denied my claim despite having clear W-2s showing I earned $5,400 in my base period. What finally worked for me was getting super organized with my documentation and being extremely persistent. A few things that helped: 1) I calculated my own base period earnings quarter by quarter and made a simple spreadsheet showing exactly what I earned when, 2) I sent everything certified mail so they couldn't claim they "lost" my documents again, and 3) I kept detailed notes of every phone call including agent names and ID numbers. The hearing request someone mentioned above is crucial - even if your reconsideration goes through, having that hearing request on file puts legal pressure on them to actually review your case properly instead of just rubber-stamping another denial. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down. You earned those benefits and deserve them. The system is broken but you can still win if you're persistent and organized. 💪

Mason, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this mess. The same thing happened to me - they "miscalculated" my earnings and denied me even though I had clear paystubs showing I made over $4,000 in my base period. The stress is absolutely horrible and I totally get the physical symptoms you're experiencing. What finally got mine resolved was using a combination of approaches: I filed both a Request for Reconsideration AND a Request for Hearing at the same time (like others mentioned), but what really made the difference was using claimyr.com to actually get through to a specialist who could fix it in real time. I was skeptical at first but after 3 weeks of getting nowhere with regular calls, I got a callback in about 45 minutes and the agent corrected my wage calculation during the call. My payments started within 4 days. Document everything you're doing - every call, every form you send, every interaction. Send your reconsideration documents certified mail so they can't claim they lost them again. And don't let them gaslight you - you KNOW what you earned, and you have the paystubs to prove it. You're going to get through this. The system is designed to make you give up, but you have rights and you've earned those benefits. Stay strong! 💪

The NYS Department of Labor appointment system is absolutely broken. I've been trying to get answers about my eligibility review for THREE WEEKS and nobody can tell me when my appointment is supposed to happen. They just keep saying 'wait for the letter' but what if the letter never comes?? This whole system is a joke.

Quick question - are you talking about a phone interview or an in-person appointment? Because phone interviews for adjudication get scheduled automatically and you'll get a call, but if it's something else like a job search seminar those might be different.

The unemployment system is SO broken!! Employers shouldn't even be able to contest claims unless there's clear proof of misconduct. They lay us off then try to screw us out of benefits we paid into. It's ridiculous how much power they have in this process.

Just went through this exact situation last month. My employer contested my claim saying I had "poor performance" but couldn't provide any documentation of warnings or disciplinary actions. The DOL investigator called me for a phone interview where I explained my side and provided my performance reviews showing I met expectations. Got approved within 3 weeks. The key is being honest and having any documentation that supports your case. Since you were laid off (not fired for cause), your employer will have a hard time proving misconduct just because they're upset about you job hunting.

just make sure she files right away! there's no waiting period for being older but you lose benefits for every week you don't file after becoming unemployed

This is really helpful information everyone! Just to add - your neighbor should also know that in New York, unemployment benefits can be collected for up to 26 weeks (though this can be extended during certain economic conditions). Since she's 67, she might also want to check if her employer offered any severance package that could affect the timing of when she starts receiving UI benefits. Also, the weekly benefit amount is based on her earnings history, so her part-time work over the past 3 years will determine how much she receives. The sooner she applies, the better - she can do it online at labor.ny.gov which might be easier than calling.

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get answers about your benefit amount or claim status, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

Just to add - you can only collect unemployment for 26 weeks maximum in NY, so it's not permanent income. Use the time wisely to find something better than your restaurant job if possible. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week minimum.