Just went through this same nightmare last month. The Watertown Career Center at 1000 Coffeen St is still open but they literally cannot touch unemployment claims anymore - it's all done through Albany now. What worked for me was calling the main number (888-209-8124) at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday. Took about 45 minutes on hold but I finally got through. Also heard good things about that claimyr service people mentioned. Don't waste gas driving around to offices - they'll just tell you the same thing. The whole system is frustrating but you gotta work within it now 😤

Been in the same boat as you @Maggie Martinez - it's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about unemployment and can't even get basic help. I actually had success using a combination of what everyone mentioned here. Called the 888 number at 7:45am on a Wednesday (seems like weekday mornings are key), and when that didn't work after a few tries, I bit the bullet and used claimyr. Yes it costs money but honestly when you're desperate and need answers, $20 is worth not losing your sanity. The physical office thing is dead - learned that the hard way after driving to three different locations 🤦‍♀️ Also pro tip: if you have any local state assembly member contacts, sometimes their offices can help expedite things. Don't give up!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Been stuck in this certification loop for 2 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I get the confirmation email saying my certification was successful, but then the next day it's like it never happened. I tried calling during different times of day but can never get through to a human. Has anyone tried certifying at different times during the week? I've been doing it on Sundays like you're supposed to, but wondering if there's a better day/time when their system is less glitchy. Also going to try the Claimyr service that people are mentioning - at this point I'm willing to pay to get this resolved since I'm behind on bills too.

This is exactly what happened to me back in October! The certification would go through, I'd get the confirmation, then wake up the next day to find out I supposedly never certified. It's like the system has amnesia. What finally worked for me was discovering I had an old questionnaire buried in my account that I never completed from when I first filed. It was under a different tab and wasn't showing up as a notification anywhere. Once I found it and filled it out, my certifications started going through normally. Check every single section of your account - messages, documents, questionnaires, everything. Sometimes there's a random form or verification requirement hiding somewhere that's blocking your payments without telling you. The NY unemployment system is notorious for this kind of stuff. If you can't find anything, definitely try the phone certification instead of online, or vice versa. Sometimes one method works when the other doesn't. And yeah, keep those screenshots of everything - you'll need proof of your certification attempts when you finally get through to someone.

The schedule change thing might work but you need to prove it was a substantial change from your original job agreement and that it creates undue hardship. Save all communications about the schedule changes and document how it affects your ability to maintain childcare arrangements.

I went through something similar with my previous employer constantly changing my hours with no notice. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log of every schedule change - dates, times, how much notice I was given, and how it impacted my childcare arrangements. I also saved screenshots of the original job posting and my employment agreement that showed my expected schedule. When I applied for unemployment after quitting, having that paper trail made all the difference. The key is showing that the employer materially changed your working conditions from what was originally agreed upon. Document everything now before you make any decisions!

Make sure you keep detailed records of all your earnings when you report them! I learned this the hard way when they questioned my wage reporting later during an audit.

Thanks everyone for the helpful explanations! I'm still a bit confused about the exact calculation though. Does anyone know if the $504 threshold mentioned earlier is still current? I've been trying to find the most up-to-date info on the NYS DOL website but it's not super clear. Also, when they say "gross wages" - does that include tips if you work in a restaurant or just your base hourly pay?

I'm in a similar situation - exhausted benefits last summer and have only had sporadic freelance work since. From reading through all these comments, it sounds like the key requirements are: 1) Your benefit year needs to be fully over (52 weeks from when you first applied), 2) You need earnings in at least 2 quarters since your last claim began, 3) At least $2,600+ in your highest quarter, and 4) Total base period wages need to be 1.5x your highest quarter. With only 6 weeks of temp work, you probably won't qualify yet, but definitely look into those other assistance programs people mentioned (SNAP, 211, local food banks). The job market really is brutal right now - you're not alone in this struggle!

I went through this exact same situation earlier this year. Unfortunately, based on what you've described - only 6 weeks of temp work since February - you almost certainly won't qualify for a new unemployment claim right now. NY requires substantial earnings across multiple quarters since your last benefit year began, not just since it ended. However, don't lose hope! Here are some alternatives while you continue job searching: 1) Apply for SNAP benefits immediately - you likely qualify and it helps with groceries 2) Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance programs including emergency rent/utility help 3) Look into Workforce1 Career Centers - they offer free job search assistance and sometimes have access to unadvertised positions 4) Check if you qualify for the 599 Training Program if you're considering a career change The job market is absolutely brutal right now - I applied to over 150 positions before landing something. You're definitely not alone in this struggle. Keep documenting your job search activities too, as you'll need that record when you do eventually qualify for unemployment again. Hang in there - this economic climate is tough but temporary. Focus on the assistance programs available now while continuing your search.