One thing that might help put your mind at ease is that NYS Department of Labor has pretty clear guidelines about what constitutes "fault" versus "no fault." Since you mentioned you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's actually one of the most clear-cut examples of "no fault of your own" - the company made a business decision that had nothing to do with your performance or behavior. The department looks at whether the separation was due to misconduct, voluntary quit without good cause, or refusal of suitable work. None of those apply to your situation. Budget-related layoffs are routine approvals as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements like work history and wage requirements.

For budget-related layoffs like yours, the adjudication process is usually pretty quick - typically 1-2 weeks if there are no complications. Since you have clear documentation (the layoff letter) and it's obviously a business decision rather than performance-related, NYS Department of Labor can verify the separation reason easily with your employer. The main thing that slows down adjudication is when there are disputes about the reason for separation or missing documentation. Keep in mind that even after adjudication is complete, there might be a brief waiting period before payments start, but the "no fault" determination should be straightforward in your case.

good luck with the system... it's a nightmare to navigate and they make you jump through hoops constantly. at least you qualify though, that's the main thing

I went through this process last year after a layoff. One thing I wish I had known earlier - make sure you file your weekly certification by the deadline (usually Sunday night) or you'll miss that week's payment entirely. Also, keep copies of everything you submit because the system sometimes glitches and loses information. The good news is that once you get into the routine, it becomes pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the weekly requirements and document everything!

same here just applying to anything to check the boxes

I've been dealing with NYS unemployment for about 6 months now and learned the hard way about documentation. Here's what I found works: Online applications absolutely count - just save screenshots or confirmation emails. For job sites like Indeed, make sure you note the specific employer name, not just "applied through Indeed." Also, informational interviews count as networking activities, and so does attending career workshops or webinars. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, employer/contact, position, method of contact, and any follow-up. The key is being able to show genuine effort - they care more about quality searches in your field than just hitting random apply buttons.

good luck! most ppl who get fired still qualify unless they did something really bad

I went through something similar when I was fired for "insubordination" after questioning a safety violation at my workplace. What really helped my case was documenting everything - I wrote down dates, times, and details of conversations with my supervisor. When I filed my unemployment claim, I was completely honest about the circumstances and provided all the documentation I had. NYS DOL approved my benefits because they determined it wasn't misconduct. My advice is to file immediately and don't let your employer's version of events discourage you from applying. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. Also keep records of your job search efforts from day one since you'll need to report that weekly.

I've been following this thread closely since I'm about to hit the same wall in a few weeks. Want to add a couple things that might help based on my research so far: First, for anyone looking into the 599 training program, I found that SUNY schools tend to have the most approved programs and they're usually cheaper than private institutions. The pre-approval process requires showing that your previous occupation is in decline - gather any industry reports or news articles about layoffs in your field to strengthen your case. Second, I've been working with a career counselor at my local One-Stop Career Center (they're free!) who helped me understand that the 599 program isn't just about getting extended benefits - it's actually a solid investment in your future earning potential. She showed me data on how people who retrain during unemployment often end up in better positions than before. Also, for those mentioning gig work + partial benefits - make sure you understand the reporting requirements. You have to report ALL earnings, even cash tips, and they calculate it weekly not monthly. I almost got in trouble because I didn't realize Venmo payments from driving for Uber counted as reportable income. The system definitely sucks but there are still paths forward if you stay persistent and know where to look!

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - my benefits expire in about 2 weeks and I've been stressing about it constantly. This thread has been a lifesaver though! I had absolutely no clue about the 599 training program or that you could do partial unemployment with part-time work. I've been in customer service for years but honestly the pay and job security have been getting worse. The idea of using extended benefits to retrain for something better sounds like exactly what I need. Going to start researching approved programs this weekend and get those SNAP/HEAP applications going too. It's crazy how much you have to dig to find out about these options - they really don't make it easy! But reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that there are still some ways to make this work. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and advice - makes this whole mess feel way less overwhelming when you realize you're not alone in figuring it out! 💙