I feel your pain with those KeyBank card fees! I just switched to direct deposit last week and it was such a hassle. The website kept giving me error messages, so I ended up calling the automated line at 888-209-8124 early in the morning around 7:30am. Press 2 for payment options, then 3 for direct deposit. Have your routing and account number ready. If that doesn't work, you might need to talk to a human - I've heard good things about that claimyr service people are mentioning here. Just make sure to double-check all your bank info because any mistakes will delay your payments. Good luck!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been on the KeyBank card for about a month and those fees are ridiculous. I tried the website like 10 times and it keeps crashing when I get to the payment method section. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like calling early morning is the way to go. Has anyone had success with the automated line recently or is it still buggy? I'm hesitant to pay for a service like claimyr but if the phone system is as broken as the website I might not have a choice. This whole system is so frustrating when you're already dealing with being unemployed!

I was in a similar boat when I got laid off from my accounting firm two years ago. The 26 weeks is definitely accurate, and just to add to what others have said - make sure you understand that your benefit year starts from when you first file, not when you get approved. So even though you filed last week, your 52-week benefit year clock started ticking then. During those 52 weeks, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. Also, since you mentioned you're 34 and this is your first time with UI, don't forget that you might be eligible for other programs too like SNAP benefits if your unemployment payments don't cover all your expenses. The manufacturing background should actually help you in your job search - there's decent demand in that sector right now. Keep your head up, the system can be confusing but you'll figure it out!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got laid off from my tech job about a month ago and was super confused about the benefit duration too. Everyone here is correct - it's 26 weeks maximum in New York with no current federal extensions. Just wanted to add that the NYS DOL mobile app is actually pretty helpful for tracking your benefits and doing your weekly certifications. It's way easier than trying to use their website on a phone. Also, since you mentioned manufacturing background, I've been seeing quite a few manufacturing job postings on Indeed and LinkedIn recently, especially for skilled positions. With your 8 years of experience, you should definitely highlight that stability and any specialized skills you picked up. The job search requirement thing is real though - I keep a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and how I applied (online, email, etc.). Makes it easy if they ever ask for records. Hang in there, we'll both get through this!

Same boat here! Just registered last month and the process was actually not too bad once I figured out where to go. The key is starting at my.ny.gov business services portal, not the regular unemployment section.

I went through this process about 6 months ago and it was definitely confusing at first! One thing that helped me was calling the NYS Department of Labor employer hotline at (518) 457-2635 early in the morning (like 8:15 AM) - I had much better luck getting through then versus later in the day. Also, make sure you have your business formation documents ready when you register because they'll ask for the date you first became liable for wages. The quarterly reports aren't due until the end of the quarter after you hire, so you have some breathing room there. Good luck with your new business!

Ugh the whole system is so broken. Been waiting 3 months for my appeal hearing and still nothing. At least you're only at 6 weeks - consider yourself lucky! The NYS Department of Labor is completely overwhelmed and understaffed.

I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting 5 weeks for my adjudication to complete. What I've learned from calling (took me days to get through) is that most reviews happen because employers contest the claim or there's a discrepancy in the separation reason. The rep told me that warehouse/retail layoffs are especially scrutinized because employers sometimes claim "performance issues" instead of admitting it was a true layoff. Have you tried logging into your NY.gov account to see if there are any employer protest documents? Sometimes they show up there even if you don't get notified. Also definitely keep certifying weekly like others said - that's crucial for getting your back pay when this finally resolves.

I went through something very similar when I worked at a clothing store. Got fired for repeated register shortages and tardiness issues - basically the same performance problems you mentioned. I was terrified they'd deny my claim, but NYS Department of Labor approved it without any issues. The key thing is that genuine mistakes and performance issues are treated differently than intentional misconduct. Your employer will likely receive a form asking why you were terminated, but as long as it wasn't willful violation of company policy or dishonesty, you should be fine. Don't let the fear stop you from applying - you've paid into the system and deserve those benefits when you need them!

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. What you're describing - inventory mistakes and occasional tardiness - typically falls under "unsatisfactory performance" rather than "misconduct" in NYS. The Department of Labor usually only denies benefits for things like theft, insubordination, violating safety rules, or repeated policy violations after clear warnings. Performance issues, even when well-documented by your employer, generally don't disqualify you. File your claim as soon as possible and be honest about the reasons for termination. Even if your employer provides all their documentation, it will likely support your case since it shows performance issues rather than willful misconduct.