I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my nanny just gave me one week's notice (her husband got transferred for work). I've been frantically calling daycares and the cheapest option I found would cost $280/week, which is about 65% of my weekly take-home pay after taxes. That would leave me with barely enough for rent, let alone food and other bills. I've already contacted 15 places and started keeping detailed records like everyone suggested - dates, costs, waiting lists, everything. It's really encouraging to see that NYS Department of Labor does approve these cases when you have proper documentation. The advice about contacting the local childcare resource agency is something I'm definitely going to do tomorrow. Has anyone had experience with how long the adjudication process typically takes right now? I know @Leo Simmons mentioned 6 weeks but wondering if processing times have changed recently with everything going on.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for so many people going through similar situations! As someone who works in family services, I wanted to add a few additional resources that might help strengthen your case with NYS Department of Labor. Many counties have Child Care Councils that maintain databases of available slots and average costs - they can often provide official letters documenting the shortage of affordable care in your area. Also, if you're income-eligible, make sure to get on waiting lists for subsidized childcare programs even while you're unemployed - it shows you're actively working toward a sustainable solution. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local childcare resources and may help you find emergency or temporary options while your claim is being processed. One more tip: if you had to use sick days or unpaid time off in the weeks leading up to quitting due to childcare issues, document that too - it shows the problem was already impacting your employment before you had to make the final decision to leave. Everyone's advice about thorough documentation is absolutely correct - NYS takes these cases seriously when you can prove you exhausted all reasonable alternatives.

I'm actually facing this exact situation in about two weeks when I start my new job! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and nerve-wracking. The consensus is definitely clear - stop filing immediately when work starts, no matter how tough the financial gap. I've been unemployed for 4 months and the thought of going from unemployment checks to zero income for potentially 2-3 weeks is honestly keeping me up at night. But seeing how many people have successfully navigated this transition gives me hope. I'm definitely going to try the suggestions about asking HR for a paycheck advance and looking into local assistance programs. Has anyone had experience with gig work or odd jobs during this gap period? I'm wondering if doing something like DoorDash or TaskRabbit for a few days would complicate things with unemployment reporting, even though I'd already be stopping my claims anyway.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and it was definitely stressful! The financial gap is brutal but you absolutely have to stop filing once you start working - no exceptions. What helped me get through those two weeks was setting up a small personal loan through my bank beforehand (like a $500-1000 line of credit) just to cover essentials. I also meal prepped really cheap but filling foods like rice, beans, and pasta to stretch my grocery budget. One thing I wish I'd done was ask my new employer during the interview process about their pay schedule - some companies will work with new hires on timing if you explain the situation professionally. The good news is it's temporary and once you get that first paycheck, you'll be back on stable ground. Hang in there!

My cousin went through this exact situation when she was finishing her nursing program. The trick is proving you're genuinely available for work despite being in school. She had to show that her clinical rotations were flexible and she could work around them. Got approved eventually but it took some back and forth with adjudication.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation as a part-time student working retail! From what I've learned through my own research and filing process, the key factors NYS Department of Labor considers are: 1) You must have earned sufficient wages during your base period (usually first 4 of last 5 completed quarters), 2) You must be physically able to work, 3) You must be available for work during hours when jobs in your field are typically available, and 4) You must be actively seeking work. The student status itself isn't disqualifying, but your class schedule can't severely limit your availability. I'd recommend calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to speak with someone directly about your specific situation, since every case is different based on your work history and school schedule.

I went through this same confusion when I first started collecting benefits. The exemptions show up in your online account under the "Determinations" section - they're basically waivers from certain requirements. The most common one is the work search exemption if you're temporarily laid off with a definite recall date. However, if your employer keeps pushing back your return date, you might lose that exemption status and need to start doing the 3 weekly job searches. I'd recommend calling the Tele-Center (though good luck getting through) or checking if there's been any change to your exemption status in your online account. The key is staying on top of it because if you lose an exemption and don't start meeting the requirements, you could face an overpayment situation.

The exemption notifications can be tricky - NYS DOL doesn't always send automatic alerts when your status changes. I learned this the hard way when my temporary layoff exemption expired without warning. What I do now is check my online account every week before certifying, specifically looking at the "Claim Summary" and "Determinations" sections. If you see any changes in your exemption status or if your employer updates their return date estimate, that's usually when the work search requirements kick back in. Also, pay attention to the weekly certification questions - they sometimes change when exemptions expire. I'd suggest documenting your exemption status each week (screenshot or write it down) so you have a record if there are any disputes later about when requirements changed.

As an update for everyone, the official NYSDOL posted about this exact scam on their social media last week. They confirmed they NEVER initiate requests for personal information via DocuSign emails without first notifying you through your secure NY.gov account. Always log directly into your account through https://unemployment.labor.ny.gov (type it directly in your browser) to check for legitimate communications.

Just wanted to add another red flag to watch for - legitimate NYSDOL communications will usually reference your specific claim number or case details that only they would know. Scam emails are often generic and don't include any personal details from your actual claim. Also, if you're ever unsure, you can always visit your local Career Center in person to verify any communications. They can check your account directly and confirm whether something is legitimate or not. I know it's inconvenient, but sometimes it's worth the peace of mind, especially with identity theft being such a huge problem these days. Stay vigilant everyone - these scammers are getting more creative every day!