This is such a helpful thread for someone just starting this process! I got laid off last Friday from my job in Buffalo and I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the unemployment requirements. My HR department mentioned they'll be sending me around $1,400 in vacation pay in a couple weeks, and honestly I had no clue this would impact my unemployment benefits at all. After reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear I need to get ahead of this - my weekly gross was about $350, so that vacation pay covers exactly 4 weeks. I'm going to call HR first thing Monday to get the official documentation showing which specific weeks the vacation time covers. It's frustrating that the NYS Department of Labor website doesn't explain any of this clearly, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share their real experiences. Better to do this right from the start than deal with audit problems later!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently dealing with this exact situation - got laid off from my job in Syracuse about 10 days ago and just found out my employer will be paying out approximately $2,200 in accrued vacation time next month. My weekly gross salary was $550, so that works out to exactly 4 weeks of coverage. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences here has made it crystal clear that I need to: 1) Contact my HR department immediately to get official documentation showing which specific weeks the vacation pay covers, 2) Report $550 for each of the 4 weeks starting from the week after my last day of work (not when I receive the actual payment), and 3) Keep detailed records of everything for potential DOL audits later. What really stands out to me is how many people mentioned they wished they had this information when they first started - the official NYS Department of Labor guidance is practically useless for real-world situations like this. I'm definitely going to be proactive about getting proper documentation and reporting everything correctly from day one. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - you've saved me from potentially major compliance issues down the road!

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!

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.

Just to echo what others have said - definitely don't try to use regular unemployment benefits for maternity leave. I learned this the hard way when my sister-in-law tried it a few years back. The NYS Department of Labor was pretty clear that unemployment is only for people who are actively job searching and available to start work immediately. Since you'll be caring for a newborn, you obviously won't meet those requirements. The PFL route that others mentioned is really your best bet - it's specifically designed for situations like yours where you need time off for family reasons but aren't actually unemployed. Good luck with everything and congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

One thing I learned from my own experience is that you should also check if your employer is offering any other benefits during the severance period, like continued health insurance coverage. Sometimes companies will maintain your benefits during severance which can affect how you report things to NYSDOL. Also, keep detailed records of all your severance payments and dates - if there are any issues with your claim later, having that documentation will save you a lot of headaches. The key is being completely transparent about everything when you file!

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!