Quick tip: take screenshots of everything you submit to NYS Department of Labor and keep copies of all documents. Their system sometimes 'loses' uploads and you'll want proof you submitted everything correctly the first time.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. In addition to what others mentioned, make sure you have your Social Security card handy and any military discharge papers if you're a veteran (they sometimes ask for DD-214). Also, if you worked multiple jobs in the past year, gather contact info for ALL employers - NYS Department of Labor may need to verify wages from each one. The online application will walk you through exactly what documents to upload, but having everything ready beforehand makes the process much smoother. Good luck!

ugh the nys department of labor system is so confusing for anyone who doesn't have a traditional 9-5 job. took me forever to figure out how to enter my bartending shifts from different venues. good luck with the application!

I went through something similar when I was doing contract work for different hospitals. One tip that really helped me - when you're filling out the wage section on my.ny.gov, you can upload your pay stubs as supporting documentation if the online form doesn't capture your situation well. There's usually an "upload documents" section where you can attach everything. Also, keep copies of all your contracts with the staffing agencies - NYS Department of Labor sometimes asks for proof of employment relationship vs. contractor status during the review process. The key thing is being thorough with your documentation since travel healthcare work doesn't fit their standard templates.

Just remember that welfare has work requirements too so make sure you're meeting the job search requirements for both programs. NYS Department of Labor requires you to look for work and so does welfare usually.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago with two kids as well. You absolutely can get both - I received unemployment from NYS Department of Labor and SNAP/cash assistance from local DSS. The key thing is being completely transparent about your unemployment benefits when you apply for welfare. They'll reduce your cash assistance based on your UI payments, but you'll likely still qualify for SNAP and definitely for Medicaid for you and your kids. Apply for both ASAP since there can be processing delays, especially with welfare applications. Also keep all your documentation organized because both agencies will want proof of everything. Hang in there - the combination of both programs really helped me get through those tough months until I found work again.

I went thru this last week. You HAVE to talk to a human. The automated system and website both suck. After 3 days of trying I used claimyr.com to get through and had my form in 2 days.

I just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: Call the tax document line (1-877-280-4541) first thing in the morning around 8:30 AM - that's when I had the shortest wait time (only about 20 minutes). When you get through, ask them to email it to you instead of mail since you mentioned you moved recently. They can send it as a PDF same day. If that line is still busy, the Claimyr service that others mentioned really does work - I was skeptical too but it saved me hours of frustration. Also double check that your address is updated in BOTH your unemployment account AND your NY.gov ID account, sometimes they don't sync properly. Good luck with your tax appointment!

ugh the nys department of labor is such a nightmare to deal with. they mess up constantly then act like its your fault when they want their money back. i hope bankruptcy works for you because owing them money is like having a permanent headache

I went through something similar last year. The key thing to understand is that bankruptcy courts look at whether you "willfully and knowingly" provided false information. If you genuinely reported your earnings correctly and NYS DOL made an error in their calculation or interpretation, there's a good chance the debt could be discharged. Document everything you have - your original weekly certifications, pay stubs, any correspondence with DOL. Your bankruptcy attorney should be able to argue that this wasn't fraud if you have evidence you reported in good faith. Don't give up hope - I've seen these overpayment determinations get overturned both in appeals and in bankruptcy court.