The whole system is broken anyway. They make it so complicated on purpose to discourage people from applying. I worked seasonal landscaping and it took them 6 weeks to process my claim even though everything was straightforward.

Just wanted to add that timing matters when you file. I worked at a summer camp and made the mistake of waiting until my savings ran out before applying. You should file as soon as you're laid off because benefits can be backdated but there are limits. Also, keep all your paperwork from your employer about the layoff - sometimes they'll ask for documentation about whether it was truly a seasonal layoff or if there were performance issues. The process isn't as scary as it seems, just make sure you're honest about your job search efforts when you file your weekly claims.

Just went through this exact same situation last month! You definitely qualify - I worked Feb through June and got approved no problem. The key thing is making sure you have all your documentation ready when you apply. Also heads up, the online system can be glitchy so if it gives you trouble don't panic, just try again later or early morning when there's less traffic. Good luck! 🍀

Just want to add - don't stress too much about the application process! I was in a similar spot last year (worked March-July) and was worried about the same thing. The NY DOL website has a really helpful eligibility tool that walks you through it step by step. Since you made good money those 5 months, you should definitely qualify. One thing I wish I knew earlier - make sure to apply ASAP since there's usually a waiting week before benefits kick in. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the better! 💪

yeah my cousin went through this too and she won. just make sure you show up to the hearing and tell your side of the story clearly

I work in HR and see these appeals regularly. Based on what I've observed, employers win maybe 40-50% of appeals, but it heavily depends on documentation. The strongest employer cases involve clear policy violations with written warnings, attendance records, or safety issues. Weaker cases are subjective performance issues or when employers can't produce proper documentation. NYS DOL tends to give workers the benefit of the doubt when evidence is unclear. Keep all your employment records, emails, and any communications about your termination. If they're claiming misconduct but never documented warnings or gave you a chance to correct issues, that significantly weakens their case.

I went through this same confusion when I first filed! Here's what helped me keep it straight: Your claimant ID is like your permanent account number with NYS DOL - it stays the same even if you file multiple claims over the years. Your claim number is specific to this current unemployment claim and usually starts with letters like "NY" followed by numbers. When you log into my.ny.gov to file weekly claims, you don't need to enter either number - the system recognizes you from your login. But keep your claim number handy for phone calls or any correspondence. I printed out my monetary determination and highlighted the claim number at the top so I'd always know where to find it when needed.

I had this exact same issue when I first filed! What really helped me was creating a simple cheat sheet with all my numbers. I wrote down: 1) My claimant ID (permanent account number), 2) My claim number (starts with letters like NY), and 3) My confirmation number from filing. I keep this taped to my computer so when I need to reference any of them during calls or paperwork, I'm not scrambling through emails. The claim number is definitely your main "unemployment number" that you'll reference most often. Don't worry - once you use the system a few times, it becomes second nature!

Just wanted to share my experience - I had the same issue last week and finally got through! Here's what worked for me: 1. Filed at 3am on Wednesday - way less traffic on the system 2. Used Firefox browser in private/incognito mode 3. Had all my info ready beforehand so I could move through quickly For the phone, I found calling right at 8am when they open gives you the best shot. Still took like 200+ tries but eventually got through. Also make sure you're saving screenshots of any error messages you get - if you miss your filing deadline because of their technical issues, that documentation will help when you talk to a rep. Hang in there, the system is garbage but you'll get through eventually! 💪

Had the exact same issue yesterday! What finally worked for me was switching to a different browser (Edge) and clearing all my cookies first. Also discovered that if you get an error, don't keep refreshing - wait like 10 minutes before trying again or it locks you out for even longer. The phone lines are absolutely brutal right now, I think everyone's having website problems so they're all calling. If you do get through on the phone, ask them to note in your file that you tried to certify online but couldn't due to technical issues - covers you in case there are any late filing penalties later.