I'm dealing with this same issue right now - benefits ending in 2 weeks and getting nowhere with the phone system. Reading through all these responses has been super eye-opening! Had no clue about the 599 training program or that you could combine partial benefits with gig work. I've been so focused on trying to find a full-time position that I hadn't considered these other strategies. Definitely going to look into approved training programs this week - I work in retail management but honestly been thinking it might be time for a career pivot anyway. Also going to bite the bullet and start those SNAP/HEAP applications everyone keeps mentioning. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - makes this whole situation feel way less hopeless when you realize there are still some options out there if you dig deep enough!

I'm in the same boat as you - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been dreading this moment. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though! I had absolutely no idea about the 599 training program. I've been working in hospitality management for years but honestly the whole industry feels unstable right now. The idea of using unemployment for retraining while getting extended benefits sounds like it could be exactly what I need to make a career change I've been putting off. Going to start researching approved programs tomorrow - hoping there are some business or project management courses available. Also definitely going to start those other assistance applications this week. It's frustrating how complicated the system is but at least there are still some safety nets if you know how to find them. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes this whole situation feel way less scary!

Just wanted to add - keep all your documentation from your last claim filing and your new job start date. Screenshot your final weekly certification if possible. I had to reference mine months later when there was a discrepancy in their system about my benefit year balance. Having that proof saved me from having to jump through hoops to prove I filed correctly.

Also worth noting - if you worked any part-time or temporary jobs while collecting unemployment, make sure those are all properly reported before you stop filing. I forgot to report a one-day gig I did and it came back to bite me during an audit six months later. NYS DOL cross-references with employers so they'll eventually find unreported work. Clean slate is always better when transitioning off benefits.

smh at everyone saying "just call them"... like have yall TRIED calling ny unemployment lately? You'll be on hold for 5+ hours only to get disconnected. The system is broken af.

I went through almost the exact same thing 2 years ago - quit after 15 years due to stress-related health issues. Here's what I learned: NY does allow unemployment for "good cause" resignations, but you need ROCK SOLID documentation. Get your doctor to write a letter stating that continuing employment would pose serious health risks and that resignation was medically necessary. Also document everything about your work conditions - emails about workload, any attempts to get help from management, evidence of the toxic environment. The online system will probably auto-deny you, so be prepared to appeal. I had to go through 3 months of back and forth, but eventually got approved with full backpay. The key is having all your documentation ready and being persistent. Don't let the initial denial discourage you - fight it!

Sofia, definitely apply ASAP! Since you were laid off due to budget cuts, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits. You've already lost 8+ weeks of potential payments by waiting. When you apply, they'll backdate your claim to when you became unemployed, but you still need to file weekly certifications going forward. Don't worry about the job search documentation for the past 2 months - just focus on moving forward with your 3 weekly job search activities. The application process can take a few weeks to process, so the sooner you start, the better.

Sofia, I went through something very similar! I was laid off due to company restructuring and waited almost a month before applying because I thought I needed to find another job first. Big mistake! Like others have said, you qualify for benefits from the day you were laid off due to budget cuts. When I finally applied, they were able to backdate my claim to my separation date, so I didn't lose those weeks completely. The online application at my.ny.gov is pretty straightforward - just have your employer information, dates of employment, and reason for separation ready. One tip: start documenting your job search activities now if you haven't been keeping track. Even though they can backdate the monetary eligibility, you'll need to show ongoing work search efforts going forward. Don't beat yourself up about the delay - just get that application started today!

I went through something really similar about 6 months ago! I was classified as a 1099 contractor but my "client" basically treated me like a regular employee - set my hours, gave me company equipment, told me exactly how to do everything. When they let me go, I filed a SS-8 form with the IRS first to get an official determination, then used that with my NYS Department of Labor claim. It took about 2 months total but I did get approved for UI benefits retroactively. The key thing is documenting EVERYTHING - save all emails about schedules, any employee handbook they gave you, photos of the company equipment, etc. Also keep track of how much control they had over your work methods vs just the end result. Good luck!

I've been through this exact situation! Was working as a "contractor" for a tech startup but they provided my laptop, required me to be in their office 9-5, and micromanaged every aspect of my work. When they terminated my contract, I initially thought I was out of luck for unemployment. But after reading about worker misclassification, I decided to challenge it. I filed with NYS Department of Labor explaining my situation with all the documentation I could gather - emails about required office hours, the equipment agreement, performance reviews that looked exactly like employee evaluations. It took about 6-8 weeks, but they ruled I was misclassified and I was able to get UI benefits. The process was stressful but totally worth it. Start documenting everything NOW while it's fresh in your memory, and don't let them get away with misclassifying you just to avoid paying into unemployment insurance. You worked there, you deserve the protections that come with employment!