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Just want to add that even though spouse income doesn't affect your UI benefits, you still need to meet all the other eligibility requirements - like being able and available for work, actively searching for jobs, etc. Don't forget about the work search requirements once you're collecting!
One thing I'd add is to start gathering your employment documents now just in case - pay stubs, W-2s, any separation paperwork if you do get laid off. NYS Department of Labor will need detailed employment history and wage information to calculate your benefits. Having everything organized ahead of time will make the process much smoother if you do need to file. Also, if the layoff happens, file your claim right away - benefits aren't retroactive to when you lost your job, only from when you file the claim.
same boat here got let go from my restaurant job in queens last month. the online application wasnt too bad just make sure you have all your employer info ready. mine got approved pretty quick but i know some people get stuck in adjudication for weeks
Hey @NightOwl42, I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my tech job in Brooklyn. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: gather ALL your documents first before you even start the online application. Besides what Sofia mentioned, also have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup - it's way faster than waiting for checks. One thing that really helped me was taking screenshots of each page as I filled out the application in case the system timed out (which happened to me twice). Also, file your weekly claims on Sunday nights or Monday mornings - the system is less busy then. The whole process took me about 2 weeks to get my first payment, but that was because I had all my paperwork ready. You got this!
I'm in a similar situation - been on unemployment for about 20 weeks now and getting anxious about what comes next. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor does have some transition services that start around week 20-24 to help prepare people who might be approaching long-term status. They call it "reemployment services" and it includes things like resume workshops and job search assistance. You might want to check your NY.gov account to see if you've been selected for any of these programs - they're supposed to help improve your chances of finding work before you hit that 27-week mark.
That's really helpful to know about the reemployment services starting around week 20-24! I had no idea NYS Department of Labor had transition programs that kick in before you actually hit long-term status. I'm going to check my NY.gov account right now to see if I've been selected for anything. It sounds like they're trying to be proactive about helping people avoid becoming long-term unemployed in the first place, which is smart. Have you participated in any of these programs yet, or are you still waiting to hear back?
I'm at week 18 and this thread is really eye-opening. I had no idea about the 27-week threshold for long-term unemployment status or that there were transition services available before you even get there. @Mason Stone - thanks for mentioning the reemployment services! I just logged into my NY.gov account and saw I actually do have a message about a virtual job search workshop next week that I almost missed. It seems like NYS Department of Labor is more proactive than I thought about helping people before they exhaust benefits. For anyone else reading this who's in a similar timeframe, definitely check your account regularly - there might be resources available that you didn't know about.
this is why the gig economy is such a SCAM!! companies save money by not having real employees then we get screwed when work dries up!!! the whole system needs to change!!
Good luck with your claim, CosmicCruiser! Your situation sounds like a strong case for partial benefits since your client reduced your hours involuntarily. Just wanted to add that when you're gathering your documentation, include any email or written communication from your client about the hour reduction - this can help prove it wasn't your choice. Also, since you had W2 income until December 2024, that should definitely help your benefit calculation. The combination of recent W2 earnings plus current 1099 work might actually work in your favor. Keep us posted on how it goes!
Yuki Kobayashi
Just wanted to add that even if you get initially denied, don't give up! I was disqualified at first but won my appeal hearing. The key is having all your documentation ready and being able to clearly explain your situation to the administrative law judge.
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Rajan Walker
Another thing to watch out for is if you have any side income or freelance work while collecting benefits - you need to report ALL earnings, even small amounts. I made the mistake of not reporting some cash payments from odd jobs and they found out somehow. Had to pay back weeks of benefits and got a penalty on top of it. The NYS Department of Labor is pretty thorough about cross-checking income sources, so definitely be completely honest on your weekly certifications.
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