ugh the whole system is so unfair. here we are paying taxes on our unemployment benefits but then can't use that same income to qualify for basic things like housing. makes no sense!

I went through something similar last year. One thing that really helped was getting a letter from NYS Department of Labor showing my remaining benefit balance and duration. Some lenders want to see that you have at least 12 months of benefits left. Also, if you have any part-time work or side income, document that too - it shows additional stability. The market is tough but don't give up! Your credit score and down payment savings put you in a decent position.

I actually just went through this exact process about 2 months ago! Switched from Wells Fargo to a credit union because of their outrageous maintenance fees. Here's what I learned: Submit your banking change right after you get your current payment (like on a Monday or Tuesday), then wait at least 2 full weeks before filing your next claim. My change took 8 business days to process, but I waited the full 2 weeks to be absolutely certain. The most important thing - and I cannot stress this enough - is to call and verify the change went through before you file again. I used claimyr.com like others mentioned here and got connected to a rep in about 15 minutes. She confirmed my new account was showing in their system and even gave me a confirmation number to write down. Also, DO NOT close your old account until you've received at least 3 payments successfully in your new account. I thought 1 payment would be enough but then had a random backpay adjustment that went to my old account 2 weeks later. Would have been a nightmare if I'd already closed it. The waiting sucks when you're trying to escape those bank fees, but trust me - a few extra weeks of fees is way better than dealing with lost payments and the stress of trying to track down your money in their broken system. Good luck!

I switched my direct deposit with NY unemployment about 3 months ago and it was honestly way less scary than I thought it would be! Here's my timeline: Updated my info on a Thursday morning right after my payment hit, used claimyr.com to call and confirm it was in their system on Friday (got through in like 20 minutes which was amazing), and the change was fully processed by the following Wednesday - so about 6 business days total. My strategy was to update right after receiving a payment, then skip filing for one full week just to be 100% sure everything was working. Yeah I missed one week of payments but it was worth the peace of mind. When I filed the following week, boom - payment went straight to my new credit union account with no issues. One thing that really helped was keeping a detailed log of everything - when I submitted the change, confirmation numbers, when I called, what the rep told me, etc. The unemployment system can be so unpredictable that having that paper trail made me feel way more confident about the whole process. Definitely keep your old account open for at least a month after the switch though! I had a random overpayment adjustment come through 3 weeks later that went to my old account. Would have been a total mess if I'd closed it already. Good luck with your switch - those bank fees are the worst when you're already dealing with unemployment stress!

just file and see what happens, worst they can do is say no

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My manager was creating a hostile work environment and eventually told me I could resign or be terminated for "performance issues" that were clearly fabricated. I documented everything - the conversations, dates, witnesses, even took photos of the impossible tasks I was being assigned. When I filed for unemployment, NYS Department of Labor did put my claim into adjudication, but I was ultimately approved. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I had written evidence of the ultimatum, 2) I could show a pattern of discriminatory treatment, and 3) I demonstrated that I had no reasonable alternative but to quit. The process took about 8 weeks, but I did receive back pay for the entire period. Don't let anyone tell you it's hopeless - constructive discharge is a real thing and NYS Department of Labor does recognize it when properly documented.

I went through this exact situation with NYS Department of Labor about two years ago. Was terminated for "excessive tardiness" but it was due to my elderly mother's medical appointments that I had to coordinate. The key thing is to file your claim immediately - don't wait! When they do the phone interview (usually within 2-3 weeks), be completely honest about the childcare situation and emphasize that you tried to work with your employer. I brought up how I attempted to communicate and find solutions. They ended up approving my claim because tardiness due to legitimate family care responsibilities isn't considered willful misconduct under NY law. The process took about 4 weeks total, but I got back pay for all the weeks I was eligible. Stay persistent and keep documenting everything!

I'm currently going through a similar situation with NYS Department of Labor after being terminated for "performance issues" that were really related to my transportation problems. From what I've learned so far, the key is to file your claim right away even if your employer is contesting it. During my research, I found that NYS uses a pretty specific definition of misconduct - it has to be willful and deliberate violation of company policy, not just struggling with circumstances beyond your control. Childcare issues that you communicated about definitely don't sound like willful misconduct. I'm still waiting for my phone interview but the representatives I've spoken with have been encouraging about cases like ours where there were legitimate external factors involved.

ugh why is everything so broken?? 🤬 we're just trying to survive here and they make it impossible. the whole system needs an overhaul

I had this exact same problem! Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Try logging in during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 2. Use the "forgot password" option to reset your login credentials - sometimes the system gets confused about authentication 3. If you're getting error messages, screenshot them and save the error codes - it'll help when you do get through to someone 4. Check if there are any outstanding documents or forms they need from you that might be blocking your weekly certification The pending status is super frustrating, but don't give up on the weekly certifications even if the system is glitchy. You'll need those to get backpay once everything gets sorted out. Hang in there! 💪