UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL this morning! Used the Claimyr service that was recommended and got a callback in about an hour. The agent confirmed it was exactly that "waiting week suspension flag" that was mentioned. She said my account got stuck in some kind of review loop. She processed a manual override while I was on the phone, and said I should see all my back payments within 2-3 business days! She also said they'd include interest since it was their error. Thank you all for the help and advice!!

That's fantastic news! So glad you got it resolved. This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same issue. The "waiting week suspension flag" explanation really cleared things up for everyone. Thanks for updating us - it's always great to hear when these problems actually get fixed!

Wow, this thread has been such a rollercoaster of information! As someone who's been on unemployment for about 6 weeks and just got offered a small freelance writing gig, I was initially panicking after reading the early comments about losing benefits for any work day. Thank goodness @Alex Wade corrected everyone with the actual current rules! The hours-based system (up to 30 hours and $504 per week while keeping full benefits) is so much more reasonable for people trying to get back on their feet. I'm definitely bookmarking that official DOL link and will be keeping detailed records like @Vera Visnjic suggested. It's amazing how much bad information is still floating around from the old system - this community discussion probably saved me from making some really poor scheduling decisions. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences and helped clear up the confusion!

As someone who just started collecting unemployment benefits two weeks ago, this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I was actually considering turning down a small freelance opportunity because I was afraid it would mess up my benefits. Thank you so much to @Alex Wade for correcting all the outdated information with the official DOL link. The hours-based system (30 hours or less + $504 or less = keep full benefits) is such a game changer for people like us trying to get back on our feet. It's honestly shocking how much misinformation is still circulating about the old day-based rules. I'm bookmarking that partial unemployment page and will definitely start tracking my hours like others suggested. This community discussion probably saved me from missing out on income I really need while still protecting my unemployment safety net. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the anxiety and stress of being unemployed for months is really overwhelming. I went through something similar earlier this year when my benefits expired and I felt completely lost about what to do next. One resource that really helped me was contacting my local Community Action Agency. They offer emergency assistance programs that most people don't know about - things like rental assistance, utility help, and even small grants for job search expenses like gas or interview clothes. You can find your local office at communityactionpartnership.com. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're signed up with all the major job boards AND their email alerts. Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, ZipRecruiter, etc. Set up very specific alerts for your field and location - I was getting 10-15 relevant job notifications per day which helped me apply to positions within hours of them being posted. The other thing that made a difference for me was volunteering with local nonprofits in my field. It kept my skills sharp, expanded my network, and actually led to a contract position that turned permanent. Plus it helped with the mental health aspect of feeling productive and valuable again. Hang in there - this job market is brutal but you're not alone in this struggle.

I've been in your exact shoes and I know how isolating and stressful it can be. My benefits expired in July and it took me until October to find steady work. Here's what finally helped me break through: First, don't underestimate the power of your local library - many have career centers with free computer access, resume help, and even interview coaching. My librarian connected me with a job club that met weekly and provided amazing peer support and networking. Second, consider reaching out to staffing agencies that specialize in temp-to-perm placements. Companies are more willing to "try before they buy" in this market, and it gets your foot in the door. I got my current job this way after a 3-week temp assignment. Also, if you're open to it, look into paid training programs through organizations like Per Scholas or Year Up - they train you for in-demand jobs AND pay you a stipend during training. Even if tech isn't your background, they have programs for different skill levels. The mental health piece is huge too. Consider joining online support groups for job seekers - there are several active ones on Reddit and Facebook where people share leads and encouragement. You're clearly resourceful and determined based on your action plan. This situation is temporary, even though it doesn't feel like it right now. Keep pushing forward!

I've been getting calls from that same number for months now. Sometimes it's routine verification stuff, but other times it's more urgent. Last time they called it was because there was a discrepancy in my work history that needed to be cleared up ASAP or my benefits would be suspended. The frustrating thing is they never leave voicemails, so you have no idea if it's urgent or just routine. My advice would be to keep trying to call back, maybe early in the morning when the lines aren't as busy. Also make sure all your info is up to date in your online account - sometimes they call because they can't reach you through other methods. Don't panic too much though. If you've been getting payments regularly for 3 months, it's probably just a routine check or they need you to verify something small. But definitely don't ignore it!

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for about 6 months now and that number has called me probably 8-10 times. Here's what I've learned: - They call for EVERYTHING - routine checks, document requests, work search verification, even just to confirm your address - They literally never leave voicemails (so annoying!) - The urgency varies wildly - sometimes it's just "hey confirm you're still looking for work" and sometimes it's "we need this info in 48 hours or your benefits stop" Since you've been getting payments regularly, it's probably not anything catastrophic. But you definitely need to call back because ignoring them is the fastest way to get your benefits suspended. Pro tip: Try calling right at 8am when they open - that's when I've had the most success getting through without waiting forever. Also keep your phone nearby for the next few days in case they call again. The whole system is frustrating but don't stress too much. Just get through to someone and find out what they need!

Just make sure you keep detailed records of your restaurant job hours and pay. NYS Department of Labor will want to see everything when you file your weekly claims. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll still need to look for additional work even though you have the one job.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I lost my morning shift job but kept my evening restaurant work. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I understood it. You'll file your initial claim reporting both jobs (the one you lost and the one you're keeping), and NYS Department of Labor will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your total earnings history. Then each week when you certify, you report whatever you earned from the restaurant job and they'll pay you the difference if you qualify. Just be honest about everything and keep good records - they may ask for pay stubs from both jobs during the application process.