Just wanted to add that the job search requirements are the same for veterans as everyone else - you still need to do 3 work search activities per week and keep records. Some people think military service exempts you from that but it doesn't.

Hey Marcelle! I went through this exact process about 6 months ago when I got out of the Marines. Just to add to what everyone else said - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your separation date. I waited a few weeks thinking I needed to find a job first, but that just delayed my benefits starting. Also, if you have any questions about the UCX program specifically, the Department of Veterans Affairs has counselors who can walk you through it. They were super helpful when I was confused about which forms to submit. Good luck with your job search!

check ur payment history on the website. sometimes they dont send email notifications but u can see if payment is pending there

Sorry to hear about your company shutting down - that's always tough. I went through the same thing about 6 months ago. The waiting period feels forever but hang in there! Make sure you're logging into the DOL website regularly to check your claim status and payment history. Sometimes there are issues that need to be resolved before they can release payments. Also keep all your paperwork from the company shutdown - sometimes they ask for it later. Good luck! 🙏

I actually just went through this process a few months ago when I moved from Rochester to Denver! You can absolutely keep collecting NYS unemployment benefits while living in another state. The key is being proactive about updating your information. Log into your my.ny.gov account and update your address as soon as you move. You'll also want to make sure your phone number and email are current so they can reach you if needed. During your weekly certifications, just be honest about your new location and continue showing that you're actively job searching in Pennsylvania. I kept detailed records of all my job applications in Colorado and never had any issues with NYS Department of Labor. The benefits continued without interruption as long as I met all the usual requirements - being able and available for work, and actively seeking employment. Don't let the move stress you out too much, it's more common than you'd think!

I'm planning a similar move soon and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I called NYS Department of Labor directly about this situation and they confirmed what everyone is saying - you can definitely collect benefits while living out of state as long as you update your address and continue meeting all the eligibility requirements. The rep I spoke with emphasized that the most important thing is being honest and transparent about your move in your weekly certifications. They also mentioned that you should be prepared to provide documentation of your job search activities in your new state if requested. It sounds like as long as you're genuinely looking for work and available to accept suitable employment, the geographic location isn't a barrier to continuing benefits. Good luck with your move to Philly!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed in mid-December and been in adjudication for 4 weeks. It's so stressful not knowing what's happening or when it might resolve. Have you received any correspondence from NYSDOL explaining what specifically they're reviewing? I got one generic letter saying they need to verify my employment separation but nothing since then. Really hoping both our cases move forward soon!

I'm dealing with this too and it's incredibly stressful! Filed in late November and I've been in adjudication for 6 weeks now. From what I've learned talking to others and researching online, reduced hours situations like yours can definitely trigger adjudication because they need to verify it qualifies as "good cause" for leaving. The frustrating part is the complete lack of communication - you'd think they could at least give us a timeline or status update. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job search activities and weekly certifications just in case they ask for them later. Stay strong and keep filing those weekly claims - from everything I've read, the back pay makes it worth the wait once it finally goes through.

The base period is actually really important to understand - it's the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in 2025, they'd look at your earnings from early 2024 through late 2024, not just recent weeks. This means your full-time job earnings will definitely be considered if they fall within that timeframe. I'd recommend calling them directly or using their online calculator with your actual quarterly earnings to get the most accurate estimate.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation - currently making around $320/week but had a much better paying job earlier last year. One thing I learned when I applied was to make sure you have your Social Security earnings statement handy too, since sometimes employers don't report wages correctly to the state. You can check your earnings history on the NYS Department of Labor website once you create an account, and it should show all your covered wages by quarter. If something looks wrong, you can dispute it, but it takes time to resolve. Also, don't forget that if you're eligible, you might also qualify for the federal programs that sometimes extend benefits during economic downturns.