I'm dealing with the exact same frustration! Been trying to reach NY unemployment for almost 3 weeks now and it's like they don't want us to get through. My claim has been "pending review" since early February and every time I call, I either get disconnected after waiting for hours or the system just hangs up on me completely. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to talk to someone about our own benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like this is a widespread problem and not just bad luck on my part. I'm going to try some of the suggestions mentioned - the early morning calling trick and maybe that Claimyr service if I get desperate enough. Has anyone had any luck with reaching out to local elected officials? I'm wondering if that's worth trying too.

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! After reading all these comments, I wanted to share what finally worked for me. I tried the early morning calling (7:58am) trick that @Aisha mentioned for about a week straight with no luck. Then I combined it with calling the alternative number @Tyrone suggested (888-209-8124) AND selecting the Spanish option first. Even though I don't speak Spanish, when I got connected I just said "English please" and they transferred me to a bilingual agent. The whole process took about 45 minutes total wait time. The agent explained that my claim was also stuck in that new January verification system - apparently thousands of claims are backed up because of this policy change. She was able to clear it immediately and I got my benefits deposited 2 days later. Don't give up! The system is definitely broken but there are ways around it if you keep trying different approaches.

Just make sure you're honest about everything when you file your weekly claims. They audit people all the time and if they find out you weren't reporting business income correctly you could owe back all the benefits plus penalties.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I started doing freelance graphic design work. The key thing I learned is that you absolutely have to report ALL income from your business activities, even if it's just $20 here and there. NYS Department of Labor considers any work you do for pay as "employment" regardless of whether you're W2 or 1099. I kept detailed records of every client payment and reported it on my weekly certifications. As long as you're genuinely still job searching (and can prove it with applications), you should be okay. Just be prepared for your weekly benefit amount to fluctuate based on what you earn from the business each week.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation - being terminated unexpectedly is really stressful! The good news is that you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits in New York. Being 10 minutes late twice in a month is not considered "misconduct" under NYS Department of Labor standards, especially after 3 years of employment. Misconduct has to be willful and substantial - like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating clear workplace policies after warnings. File your claim immediately at my.ny.gov - you can apply online 24/7. Don't delay because there's a waiting period and benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you were terminated. During the application, just state the reason your employer gave you (attendance issues). If they try to fight your claim, NYS DOL will investigate and you'll likely win since occasional tardiness rarely qualifies as disqualifying misconduct. Also keep in mind that even if your claim gets initially denied, you have the right to appeal and present your case. Many people win on appeal even when initially denied. Stay strong and don't let this setback discourage you - you've got rights as a worker in New York!

I'm in a very similar situation - just got terminated from my warehouse job after being 15 minutes late three times over two months. My supervisor said it was "chronic tardiness" but I had to take public transit and sometimes the buses were just delayed. Reading everyone's responses here is giving me hope that I might still qualify for unemployment benefits. It sounds like NYS DOL looks at the actual circumstances rather than just taking the employer's word for it. I'm going to file my claim online tomorrow morning. Does anyone know if transportation issues count as a valid reason for occasional lateness, or should I just focus on the fact that it wasn't willful misconduct? Thanks for all the helpful information in this thread - it's really reassuring to see that other people have been through this and came out okay.

I want to add some practical advice based on what I've learned from researching this topic. When you're preparing your documentation, make sure your mental health provider specifically addresses how your condition impacts your ability to perform your job functions - not just that you have anxiety/depression. The NYS DOL needs to see the connection between your mental health condition and your work capacity. Also, if you do decide to quit, try to frame it as "constructive discharge" if your employer failed to provide reasonable accommodations after you disclosed your mental health needs. Keep detailed records of any conversations with HR or your supervisor about your condition. The appeals process exists for a reason, so don't be discouraged if you get an initial denial. Many mental health-related claims are approved on appeal once all the documentation is properly reviewed.

As someone who works in mental health advocacy, I want to emphasize that what you're going through is completely valid and you have every right to seek the support you need. The fact that your therapist is recommending time off for treatment shows this is a legitimate medical situation, not something you're making up. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already shared - consider reaching out to your local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapter. They often have resources and can sometimes provide guidance on navigating unemployment systems with mental health conditions. They might even have volunteers who've been through similar experiences. Also, don't be afraid to use words like "medical condition" and "treatment plan" when describing your situation to the DOL - mental health conditions are medical conditions, full stop. You deserve the same consideration as someone with any other health issue that impacts their ability to work.

I just went through this same process a couple months ago after getting laid off from my restaurant job. The NYS Department of Labor calculation definitely isn't straightforward at first! What really helped me understand it was looking at my actual quarterly wage statements - you can usually find these on your pay stubs or request them from HR. Since you worked 8 months at $18/hour, you likely have wages in at least 2-3 quarters which should meet the minimum requirements. One tip: when you file your claim, make sure all your employer information is exactly right (business name, address, etc.) because any errors can delay your processing. Also keep track of your job search activities from day one since you'll need to report them weekly to maintain eligibility. The waiting can be stressful but having that weekly benefit amount definitely helps bridge the gap while you're looking for your next opportunity.

I can definitely relate to the confusion about NY unemployment calculations! When I got laid off from my office job last year, I spent hours trying to figure out what I'd actually receive. The key thing that helped me was understanding that NYS looks at your "base period" which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Since you've been working 8 months at $18/hour, you should have a solid wage history. I'd recommend filing your claim ASAP - don't wait trying to optimize timing because you'll lose potential benefit weeks. Also, definitely gather all your pay stubs and employment info before starting the online application. The process took about 10 days for me to get my first payment, but having everything organized upfront really helped speed things along. One last tip: start documenting your job search activities immediately since you'll need to report them weekly to maintain eligibility. Good luck with both the claim and finding your next job!