I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread! As someone who's never filed for unemployment before, the base period calculation seemed really confusing at first, but all these explanations have made it so much clearer. The key takeaways I'm getting are: - NY looks at 5 quarters but only uses 4 for the calculation - They automatically calculate both Standard Base Period (skips most recent quarter) AND Alternate Base Period (includes most recent quarter) - They give you whichever calculation results in a higher weekly benefit - Make sure to list ALL employers from the past 18 months when filing - Check your wage history on NY.gov before filing to catch any errors I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. It's also good to know about that Claimyr service if I need help getting through to speak with someone. Really appreciate this community for breaking down such a complex topic in plain English!

I just want to add one more practical tip that helped me when I filed last year - if you're unsure about any of your employment dates or earnings amounts when filling out the application, it's better to be as accurate as possible rather than guessing. The system will verify your wages anyway through employer reports, so if you put down incorrect information, it just creates more work later to fix discrepancies. I kept a simple spreadsheet with my employment dates, gross wages per quarter, and employer info before I started the application, which made the whole process much smoother. Also, don't panic if your claim shows "pending" for a while after you submit it - that's normal, especially if you had multiple employers or recent job changes. The wage verification process can take 1-2 weeks, but you can start certifying for benefits right away even while it's pending. Hope this helps and good luck with your claim!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. My employer appealed even though I was clearly laid off due to company restructuring. What I learned is that some companies have policies to automatically appeal all unemployment claims regardless of the circumstances - it's just a business decision to try to keep their tax rates low. The hearing process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through it. The administrative law judge was fair and I had my layoff documentation ready. Just stay organized with your paperwork and don't let it stress you out too much - if you were legitimately laid off, the appeal likely won't succeed.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my former employer just appealed my approved benefits too. From what I've researched, you should definitely keep filing your weekly claims unless NYS Department of Labor specifically tells you otherwise. I've been documenting everything related to my layoff just in case, including any company-wide emails about budget cuts or restructuring. It's frustrating that employers can basically challenge legitimate claims as a business strategy, but from what others have shared here, it sounds like the hearing process is fair if you have proper documentation. Has anyone here had experience with what kinds of questions they ask during the hearing?

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS! They ask for pay stubs then half the time they can't even process them correctly. I submitted 6 pay stubs and they still put my claim in adjudication for 'wage verification' issues. Been waiting 5 weeks now with no answers!

From my experience filing in NYS, you'll definitely want to have your most recent 4-6 pay stubs ready, but also keep any documentation from previous employers within the past 18 months just in case. The system calculates your benefit based on your highest earning quarter during that base period, so having comprehensive records helps avoid delays. I'd also recommend scanning everything and keeping digital copies since the online portal can be finicky with uploads sometimes. Don't stress too much about having the exact number - they'll tell you if they need additional documentation during the review process.

Keep checking your my.ny.gov account daily and make sure your contact info is updated. Sometimes they send important notices that you might miss. Also double check that you're filing your weekly claims correctly - if you miss even one week it can mess up your whole claim timeline.

Two weeks is still within normal range, but I totally understand the anxiety when you're behind on rent. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through my.ny.gov so I'd get notified immediately if there were any updates to my claim status. Also, if you're really struggling financially while waiting, look into local emergency assistance programs - many counties have rent assistance that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for unemployment to kick in. The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there.

Just wanted to jump in and say I feel your pain. Been freelancing for 5 years and the feast or famine cycle is real. I've basically had to become my own insurance company at this point.

Have you considered looking into the Freelancers Union? While they can't get you into the NYS Department of Labor unemployment system, they do offer some benefits and resources specifically for independent contractors. They have health insurance options and sometimes advocate for policy changes that could help freelancers in the future. Also, if you're doing graphic design, you might want to check if there are any creative industry organizations that offer emergency grants or short-term financial assistance during slow periods. It's not the same as UI, but it's something. The lack of a safety net is definitely one of the biggest downsides to freelancing in NY.