I'm currently in week 19 of my benefits and honestly, finding this thread feels like a blessing in disguise. Like everyone else here, I had no clue about the qualifying wages requirement and was operating under the assumption that I could just file a new claim after week 26. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both sobering and incredibly helpful. The resource compilation in this thread is amazing - SNAP, HEAP, library services, temp agencies, NY Career Centers, the 599 Training Program, Claimyr service - I had no idea most of these options existed. I'm going to start working through this list systematically over the next 7 weeks rather than waiting until the last minute like I probably would have otherwise. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I just found out that some community colleges offer free job placement assistance and career counseling services even if you're not a student. I called my local SUNY campus yesterday and they said they have partnerships with local employers and sometimes know about job openings that aren't posted publicly. Might be worth checking if you have a community college nearby. The psychological preparation aspect really hits home reading everyone's posts. I can already feel the anxiety building knowing that weekly lifeline is going to disappear, but seeing how this community has supported each other and shared practical resources gives me hope that we can all navigate this transition successfully. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences and resources so openly. This thread has been more helpful than any official government resource I've tried to access. Let's all keep supporting each other through this!

I'm in week 18 of my benefits and this thread has been absolutely eye-opening. Like so many others here, I had completely misunderstood how the system works and thought I could just reapply after 26 weeks. Finding out about the qualifying wages requirement now gives me 8 weeks to prepare, which feels like both a blessing and incredibly overwhelming. The amount of resources shared here is incredible - from SNAP and HEAP to library services, temp agencies, and community college job placement programs. I've been taking notes and creating my own action plan based on everyone's advice. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating all these different assistance programs, but I'm grateful this community exists to share the knowledge. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone had experience with workforce development programs through the state? I keep seeing mentions of training programs and I'm curious if any of them offer stipends or extended support during the training period. With 8 weeks left, I want to explore every possible option before my benefits end. The mental health impact of this whole situation is really getting to me. That weekly benefit has become such a psychological safety net, and knowing it's temporary but not having a job lined up yet is causing serious anxiety. But reading how supportive and resourceful this community is gives me hope that we can all find ways to navigate this transition. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences so openly. This thread has provided more practical help than months of trying to get information through official channels.

Been through this exact thing. File with NY since that's where your wages were earned. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - dates, employer info, reason for separation, etc. The NYS Department of Labor system will walk you through it.

Just want to add that when you file with NYS Department of Labor, make sure you have your Social Security number and all your employment details from the NY job ready. The system is pretty straightforward once you get started. I was in a similar situation (lived in PA, worked in NY) and it was actually easier than I expected. The key thing is that your employer was paying into the NY unemployment system, so that's definitely where your claim needs to go. Don't overthink it - you've got this!

I just wanted to add my voice to this incredibly supportive thread! I was terminated for attendance issues about 10 months ago due to transportation problems and some family emergencies that kept coming up. Like so many others here, I initially thought getting fired meant I was automatically disqualified from unemployment benefits. But after reading similar advice online, I decided to file anyway - and I'm so grateful I did! The NYS Department of Labor adjudication process was much more thorough and fair than I expected. The interviewer asked detailed questions about my work history, the specific reasons for my termination, and the circumstances that led to my attendance problems. I was completely honest about my transportation issues and family situation, and provided some documentation like bus route changes and medical appointments that supported my explanation. The process took about 6 weeks from filing to decision, but I was ultimately approved for benefits. What really helped my case was being able to show that I had communicated with my supervisor about my challenges and had made genuine efforts to resolve the transportation issues. The key insight I gained is that the Department of Labor really does distinguish between willful misconduct and circumstances beyond your reasonable control. Don't let fear of rejection stop you from filing - you've paid into this system and deserve to have your case heard fairly. File immediately and be thorough in documenting your personal circumstances!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation about a year ago. I was terminated for attendance issues during a really challenging time when I was dealing with both childcare problems and some health issues that made getting to work consistently really difficult. Like everyone else here has said, I was initially convinced I wouldn't qualify for benefits because I was fired, but filing that claim was one of the best decisions I made during that difficult period. The NYS Department of Labor adjudication process was actually much more understanding than I expected. The interviewer spent about 45 minutes asking detailed questions about my work history, the specific incidents that led to my termination, and most importantly, the personal circumstances that were affecting my ability to get to work on time. I was completely honest about my childcare struggles and health issues, and provided documentation like medical appointments and daycare closure notices that supported my explanation. What really seemed to help my case was being able to show that I had been a reliable employee for over three years before these issues started, and that I had actively tried to communicate with my supervisor about finding solutions. The adjudicator specifically asked whether I had made any efforts to address the attendance problems, and I was able to explain the steps I had taken. The whole process took about 5 weeks from filing to getting my decision, but I was approved for benefits. The key takeaway from my experience is that the Department of Labor really does evaluate each case based on individual circumstances and whether the attendance issues constituted willful misconduct versus situations beyond your reasonable control. Don't let fear of potential denial stop you from applying - you've been paying into this system and you absolutely deserve to have your case heard fairly. File today if you haven't already, and be thorough in explaining your personal circumstances during the adjudication process!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and reading through all these experiences is giving me some hope! Filed my claim back in October, got stuck in the dreaded adjudication process for almost 4 months, and just got approved last week. Of course, they only started my benefits from the approval date instead of when I originally filed. I've been so frustrated because I kept filing my weekly claims the entire time like I was supposed to, thinking that would protect my eligibility for those weeks. It's such a relief to see that multiple people have successfully gotten their retroactive payments by calling and using the right terminology. I'm definitely going to try that 8am calling strategy tomorrow and ask specifically about "retroactive benefits calculation for my approved claim after adjudication." The financial stress of waiting this long while bills pile up has been overwhelming, but knowing that others have gotten their full back pay as a lump sum within 7-10 business days gives me hope. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's exactly what people in our situation need to hear!

I just successfully got my retroactive payments last month after a similar situation! Filed in August, stuck in adjudication for 12 weeks, finally approved but only got benefits going forward initially. Here's exactly what worked for me: Called at 7:55am and got through around 8:30am. I said "I need assistance with retroactive benefits calculation for weeks during my adjudication period - my claim was approved but I haven't received back pay for eligible weeks." The rep immediately understood and pulled up my account. She confirmed that since I filed every weekly claim during adjudication (which is crucial!), I was entitled to full retroactive payment back to my effective date. She processed it right there on the call and gave me reference number RBC-followed by numbers. The entire retroactive amount hit my account as one lump sum exactly 8 business days later - it was a huge relief! Make sure you have your original confirmation number, SSN, and the exact dates you were unemployed ready when you call. Don't let them tell you it's not possible - you paid into this system and you're entitled to those benefits!

I understand your anxiety about this - I was in the exact same boat when my restaurant cut my hours from full-time to just weekends. Yes, NYS DOL will send your employer a notice within about a week of filing, but it's really just a standard verification form. They're not calling to gossip or cause drama - it's literally just asking "did this person work here, what were their wages, why did their hours get reduced." Since you're filing for legitimate reasons (hour reduction through no fault of your own), your employer will likely just check the boxes and send it back. Most managers deal with these forms regularly and it's routine paperwork to them. Don't let fear of this notification prevent you from getting financial help you're legally entitled to. Just be 100% honest about the reason for your reduced hours when you file, and make sure to report your part-time earnings accurately each week. The benefits really helped me get through that tough period until I found another job.

I went through this same situation a few months ago when my hours got reduced at my retail job. Yes, NYS DOL does contact your employer - they send what's called a "Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed" usually within 3-5 business days of when you file. But honestly, it turned out to be way less stressful than I anticipated. The form they send is pretty straightforward - it just asks your employer to verify basic info like your employment dates, wages, and reason for the hour reduction. Since you're filing for a legitimate reason (reduced hours through no fault of your own), your employer will most likely just confirm that information and send it back. Most HR departments or managers deal with these notices regularly, so it's really just routine paperwork for them. The key is to be completely accurate when you file about why your hours were cut. And definitely make sure you report your part-time wages correctly each week when you certify - that's super important to avoid any overpayment issues later. Don't let worry about the employer notification stop you from getting benefits you're entitled to - the partial unemployment really helped me bridge the gap until things improved.