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just apply anyway!! worst they can say is no and then you know for sure. the application process is pretty straightforward on the my.ny.gov website
As someone who recently navigated this process, I can confirm that being a student doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY. The main thing is demonstrating you're genuinely available for work that fits around your class schedule. When you apply through the NYS DOL website, they'll ask about your availability - just be specific about the days/times you can work. Since you've been working 25+ hours consistently, you should have enough work history to qualify. One tip: start documenting your job search efforts now (applications, interviews, etc.) because you'll need to report these activities during your weekly certifications. Good luck with your application and your final semester!
This is really helpful advice! @Jamal Harris - when you say documenting "job search efforts, how" detailed do the records need to be? Should I be keeping copies of applications I submit or just noting down company names and dates? I want to make sure I m'prepared for the weekly certifications.
Pro tip: set a recurring alarm on your phone for Sunday mornings. I do mine at 8am every week and it's become routine. The NYS Department of Labor system can be slow on Sunday mornings because everyone's trying to certify at once, so sometimes I wait until afternoon.
Just want to clarify something that might help - when you first get approved, they usually send you a letter or email with your specific certification day and instructions. But yes, it's typically Sunday for most people. One thing to watch out for is that if there's a holiday weekend, the certification might be delayed by a day. I learned this the hard way during Labor Day weekend! Also, make sure you're logging into the correct portal - there's the main NYS DOL website and then the separate unemployment services portal where you actually do the certification.
This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't realize there could be delays during holiday weekends. I should have gotten that letter you mentioned but I might have missed it in all the paperwork. Do you know if I can find my specific certification schedule somewhere in my online account, or should I call to confirm? I want to make sure I don't mess this up from the start.
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the NY unemployment KeyBank line that someone suggested (1-866-295-2955), and it was like night and day compared to the regular KeyBank customer service! The rep immediately understood the issue and transferred me to their security team. They confirmed my identity through a different process and manually reset something on my account. I was able to log in right after the call! For anyone else having this issue, definitely call this specific number and ask for the security authentication team right away. Now I need to decide if I should stick with KeyBank or switch to direct deposit to my regular bank...
Switch to regular bank!!!! Trust me you'll thank urself later!!! KeyBank will probably just have more problems again
Glad you got it resolved! Based on the recurring issues many users are experiencing, switching to direct deposit to your personal bank account would be the most reliable option. The transition process through NY.gov is relatively straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days to become effective. Keep in mind that any payment initiated during that transition period might still go to KeyBank.
So glad you got your account access back! I'd definitely recommend switching to direct deposit to your personal bank account. I made the switch last month after having similar KeyBank issues, and it's been so much more reliable. The process on ny.gov is pretty straightforward - just go to your payment preferences and update your banking info. It took about 4 days for the change to take effect for me. Given what others have shared about ongoing KeyBank system problems potentially lasting until May, you'll save yourself a lot of stress by switching now. Just make sure to transfer out any remaining funds from your KeyBank account before the switch becomes active!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I'll continue my NY unemployment claim after moving to PA 2. Need to update my address in the NY.gov system 3. Continue certifying weekly and meeting NY work search requirements 4. Make a note during certification about my move 5. Keep detailed records of work searches (minimum 3 per week) 6. Be prepared for tax complications next year 7. Set up mail forwarding with USPS This community is amazing! I was so stressed about this and now I feel much better prepared for my move. I'll update my address as soon as I have my new place secured.
Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I moved from NY to NJ last year - screenshot or print out your weekly certification pages before submitting them! The NY system can be glitchy sometimes and having proof of what you submitted and when really saved me during an audit. Also, if you're driving to PA, keep receipts for any job interviews or work-related trips back to NY since those can be deductible expenses. The move itself is stressful enough without worrying about benefits, so having good documentation gives you peace of mind!
Great point about documenting everything! I hadn't thought about screenshotting the certification pages - that's really smart. Quick question though - do you know if there's a specific form or process for deducting those job interview travel expenses, or do you just keep the receipts and mention it when filing taxes? I might have some interviews lined up back in NYC even after I move to PA.
Aisha Hussain
btw i use freetaxusa instead of turbotax and it automatically knows the ein for unemployment in each state. saves time and its cheaper too
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Mateo Martinez
•Thanks for the tip! I'll look into that for next year. Already too deep into TurboTax for this year's filing though.
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Yara Campbell
Just wanted to follow up and say HUGE thanks to everyone who helped! I was able to complete my tax filing using the EIN number 11-2868823 that several of you provided. TurboTax accepted it without any issues and my return has already been submitted. For anyone else running into this same problem - definitely check if your 1099-G form has the EIN in box 9 first, but if it's missing like mine was, you can safely use 11-2868823 for NY unemployment benefits. This community is a lifesaver! I was so stressed about missing the tax deadline but you all came through with the exact info I needed. Really appreciate how helpful everyone has been here.
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Brooklyn Knight
•That's awesome to hear! I'm actually dealing with the same exact issue right now and was getting super frustrated. Seeing your success story gives me hope that I can get this sorted out quickly too. Going to try using that EIN number 11-2868823 in my tax software tonight. Thanks for posting the follow-up - it really helps to know when solutions actually work!
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