Just to be extra clear for OP - vacation pay is considered wages for unemployment purposes in New York. The key is figuring out the weekly amount it represents. If your vacation payout is $2,800 and your previous weekly gross was $700, that covers 4 weeks of benefits. You'd report $700 for each of those 4 weeks on your weekly claims, which would likely make you ineligible for UI benefits during those weeks since it exceeds the partial benefit threshold.

This is really helpful info everyone! I'm in a similar boat - got laid off three weeks ago and have about $1,500 in vacation pay coming. Based on what Ryan explained, I need to calculate my weekly gross salary and figure out how many weeks the vacation pay covers. My weekly gross was around $600, so that's about 2.5 weeks worth. Do I report the full $600 for 2 weeks and then $300 for the partial week, or do I spread it evenly across 3 weeks? Also wondering if anyone knows - does the vacation pay week start from when you actually receive the payment, or from when your employment ended?

The system is so messed up. I reported my return to work properly and they STILL sent me a questionnaire 3 weeks later asking why I stopped filing claims. Like, hello, I told you I went back to work! Had to call and explain everything again. Just keep records of what you report in case they question it later.

Just went through this exact situation last month! You definitely want to file that final weekly claim for the week you started working. When you're filling it out, there should be a question about returning to work - make sure to put your exact start date (Tuesday in your case). The system will automatically calculate any partial benefits you might be owed for the days before you started. After you submit that claim with your return-to-work date, your unemployment claim will be closed and you won't need to file anymore. Don't worry, you're doing the right thing by reporting it properly!

If you're having trouble getting through to the right people about PFL or need to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about any related questions, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when I couldn't get through on my own and it was way easier than sitting on hold for hours.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer contributes to New York State Disability Benefits (DBL) - this can provide partial wage replacement for the period when you're physically unable to work due to childbirth (usually around 6-8 weeks). It works alongside PFL, so you might be able to get DBL for the immediate recovery period and then transition to PFL for bonding time. Your employer's HR or payroll department should be able to tell you if they participate in the DBL program.

That's great news! Thanks for following up with the official confirmation. It's really helpful when someone actually gets through to NYSDOL to verify the details. Just to add one more tip for anyone else in a similar situation - when you do file that initial claim right after your last day of work, make sure you have all your severance documentation ready. NYSDOL will need the exact amounts and dates to calculate when your benefit period can actually begin. Good luck with everything!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. I was laid off from a tech company after 4 years and received 10 weeks of severance. The waiting period was definitely stressful, but everything worked out exactly as described here. A few things I learned that might help: 1. File your initial claim online the day after your last day of work - don't wait until severance ends. This gets your claim in the system and they'll calculate your waiting period. 2. Keep checking your online account during the severance period. NYSDOL will sometimes request additional documents or clarification, and responding quickly helps avoid delays once you become eligible. 3. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your regular wages from the base period, not the severance. So if you were making good money before the layoff, your benefits should reflect that. 4. Start your job search during the severance period if possible. You'll need to be actively seeking work once benefits kick in, and having a head start really helps. The system actually works pretty well once you understand it. Hang in there - those 8 weeks will go by faster than you think!

I'm in basically the same situation - lost my job in June and have been putting off filing because I kept hoping something would come through. Reading all these success stories is really encouraging though! It sounds like the key things are: 1) Actually getting through to someone (either 8am sharp or that claimyr service everyone mentions), 2) Having your termination paperwork ready, and 3) Being honest about job searching as your reason for delay. The fact that people are getting thousands in back pay even after waiting 6+ months gives me hope it's not too late. I've got my termination letter and a list of all the places I've applied since June. Probably going to try the claimyr service since $20 seems worth it to avoid weeks of calling hell. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - way more helpful than the generic advice you find elsewhere!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - lost my job back in April and have been dragging my feet on filing because I thought something would come through quickly. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! Reading all these success stories about people getting backdated even after waiting 6+ months is giving me the confidence I needed to finally take action. The claimyr service keeps coming up and honestly after seeing so many positive experiences, $20 seems like a bargain compared to weeks of calling hell. I've got my termination paperwork ready and a list of everywhere I've applied since April. Really encouraging to see people getting thousands in back pay - that would be life-changing for me right now. Planning to try the claimyr service this week. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences instead of just generic advice!