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!

Great advice from everyone here! Just to add one more tip for finding your UI number - if you're having trouble locating it in your online account, it's also printed on any correspondence you receive from NYS Department of Labor, including your monetary determination letter and any notices about your claim. I always keep a screenshot of mine saved on my phone since you need it so frequently when dealing with unemployment stuff. Also seconding what Noah said about keeping it secure - treat it like you would any other important account number.

Another thing to keep in mind - if you ever need to reference your UI number over the phone with NYS Department of Labor, they might ask you to spell it out digit by digit for verification purposes. I learned this the hard way when the representative couldn't understand me clearly and I had to repeat it multiple times. Also, some automated phone systems will ask you to enter your UI number using your keypad, so it's helpful to have it written down rather than trying to read it off your phone screen while navigating the phone menu. The whole unemployment system can be overwhelming when you're new to it, but once you get familiar with these basic terms like UI number, weekly certification, and benefit year, it becomes much easier to navigate.

Wait, I thought there was something called extended benefits? Or is that only in certain situations? I'm confused about what happens after regular UI ends.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - it's absolutely exhausting when you're doing everything right but the system just isn't working. Have you looked into whether you might qualify for any training programs through the Department of Labor? Sometimes they have WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding that can provide income support while you're in approved training for in-demand jobs. It's not the same as unemployment but could be a lifeline. Also, if you haven't already, register with your local One-Stop Career Center - they sometimes know about job openings that aren't posted publicly and can help with resume review or interview prep. Hang in there, this market is brutal but you're not alone in this struggle.

I was in this exact situation a few months ago! File your new claim immediately - don't wait. I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I needed to, and it caused unnecessary delays. The key thing to understand is that when your benefit year ends, you need to establish a new claim to continue receiving benefits. Here's what worked for me: I called first thing Monday morning after my benefit year ended. Yes, their phone system is terrible, but persistence pays off. Have all your info ready - SSN, employment history from the past year, and any wages you earned during your benefit year (even small amounts matter). The rep will determine if you qualify for a new regular claim based on wages earned during your previous benefit year. If you don't qualify for a new claim, they'll check if you're eligible for any extension programs that might be available. Don't stress too much about the horror stories - while the system has issues, many people do get their claims processed smoothly. The important thing is to be proactive and call them directly rather than trying to figure it out online. Good luck!

I just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what I learned: you absolutely can file your new claim right after your benefit year ends - don't wait. I filed online the day after my BYE date and it actually went through smoothly. The key is having realistic expectations about whether you'll qualify for a new claim. If you didn't work much during your benefit year (which is totally understandable given the job market), you probably won't qualify for a new standard claim. BUT that doesn't mean you're out of options. When I called to follow up on my application, the rep explained that even if you don't qualify for a new claim, they can sometimes put you on what's called a "transitional claim" or connect you with job training programs that come with financial assistance. My advice: file online first thing Monday morning, but also call them that same day to speak with someone. The online system often glitches during these transitions, and having a human walk you through it makes all the difference. Yes, getting through by phone is awful, but it's worth the wait to avoid weeks of uncertainty. Don't let the system intimidate you - you've been paying into unemployment insurance and you deserve these benefits if you're eligible. Stay persistent!

keep all your documentation!! job search logs, any correspondence with employers, everything. if they do come after you for overpayment you'll need proof that you followed all the rules

I went through this exact situation about a year ago and can share some insights. Yes, you typically do have to pay back overpayments, but the circumstances matter a lot. In my case, I had to repay about $1,200 because I made an honest mistake reporting my part-time earnings one week. However, NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty reasonable about it - they offered me a payment plan of $75/month and didn't charge any interest or penalties since it wasn't considered fraud. The key is to respond quickly if you get an overpayment notice and be completely honest about what happened. They can usually tell the difference between an innocent mistake and intentional deception. Also, definitely keep doing what you're doing with documentation - that saved me during my appeal process.