I went through this exact same situation last year. The 10x weekly benefit rule is correct - I had a $280 weekly benefit and needed $2,800 in earnings to qualify for a new claim. What really helped me was taking any temporary or part-time work I could find while still job searching for something permanent. Even gig work like delivery driving counted toward my earnings requirement. It took me about 4 months of part-time work to hit the threshold, but then I was able to file a new claim when I got laid off again. Don't give up on the job search, but also consider taking whatever work you can find to start building toward that earnings requirement.

Just wanted to add that if you're close to exhausting your benefits, you should also check if you qualify for any state or federal programs like SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid while you're searching for work. The gap between UI claims can be really tough financially, and these programs can help bridge that period. Also, your local American Job Center (One-Stop Career Center) might have additional resources or training programs that could help with your job search and potentially lead to employment that gets you to that 10x earnings threshold faster. Don't be afraid to use all available resources during this transition period.

This thread has been super informative! I'm actually in HR at a small company and we get questions about this from new employees all the time. One thing that might help clarify - New York employers pay unemployment insurance taxes at both the state level (to NYS Department of Labor) and federal level (FUTA). The state rate varies based on the employer's experience rating, but employees never see any of this on their paystubs. We always tell new hires that if they don't see an unemployment deduction, that's exactly what they should expect to see!

As someone who recently went through the unemployment claims process in NY, I can confirm everything mentioned here is accurate. When I filed my claim with NYS Department of Labor, they calculated my benefits based solely on the wages my previous employers had reported - there was no mention of any employee contributions because there aren't any. The whole system is employer-funded through their unemployment insurance taxes. Just make sure your employers are correctly reporting your wages each quarter, since that's what builds your eligibility and determines your benefit amount if you ever need it.

I went through this exact situation last year and was able to get 3 weeks backdated. The key is being prepared when you file - have your last day of work documented, any severance information, and be ready to explain the delay. I mentioned that I was dealing with the shock of losing my job and didn't realize I needed to file immediately. NYS Department of Labor accepted that reasoning. Just be honest about your circumstances and don't overthink it. The worst they can say is no to the backdating, but you'll still get benefits going forward. File as soon as possible though - the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to justify the delay.

I work as a benefits counselor and see this situation frequently. Yes, NYS Department of Labor allows backdating up to 4 weeks, but the approval isn't automatic. When filing online, look for the "claim effective date" section where you can request an earlier start date. Document everything - your termination date, any severance details, and your reason for the filing delay. Medical appointments during those first weeks could actually work in your favor as a valid reason, especially if you can show they interfered with your ability to file promptly. The job search requirement for backdated weeks is real, so start reconstructing what applications you made during December/January from your email sent folder or job board accounts. Even if you don't get the full backdate approved, filing now is still your best move.

ugh the whole work search thing is such a hassle, like we're not already stressed enough about finding jobs. At least now I know what counts, been doing mostly online apps but will try some other activities too

One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple spreadsheet with all my work search activities. I include columns for date, company name, position title, method of contact (online application, phone call, etc.), and any follow-up actions. NYS Department of Labor may ask for this documentation later, so having it organized from the start saves a lot of stress. Also, don't forget that informational interviews and reaching out to your professional network can count as valid work search activities too - they're not just looking for formal job applications.

Just wanted to add that I've been collecting unemployment for about 8 months now and the timing really does become predictable once you get past those first few nerve-wracking weeks. I always certify on Monday evenings and my payments hit my account (Wells Fargo) by Wednesday afternoon like clockwork. One thing I learned that might help - if you're ever unsure about a payment, you can log into the NYS Department of Labor website and check your "Payment History" section which shows the exact date they released each payment. This was super helpful early on when I was trying to figure out if a delay was on their end or my bank's end. Also, I keep a simple spreadsheet now with my certification dates and payment dates, which helps me plan my budget better. The first month is definitely the hardest because you're learning the system while already stressed about finances, but I promise it gets much easier!

I'm so glad you posted this question! I just started collecting unemployment benefits three weeks ago and I'm still figuring out all the timing. The first payment took forever (or at least it felt like it) and I was constantly refreshing my bank app. What I've learned so far is that the NYS Department of Labor is pretty good about sticking to their 2-3 business day timeline once they show "payment released." I use Bank of America and usually see my deposits around 6am on the day they come through. One thing that really helped my anxiety was calling my bank to ask specifically how they handle ACH deposits - turns out they process them overnight and post them first thing in the morning. Since you certified Tuesday and it's showing as released, I'd expect to see it by Monday morning at the latest. The waiting is definitely the worst part, especially when bills are due!