I remember when I was on unemployment back in 2019, I had to document every job I applied for and why I didn't take certain positions. The whole process was so stressful but at least now with the online system it's easier to track everything. Just make sure you're honest about your job search efforts!

Based on my experience, the 80% rule mentioned earlier is generally accurate for the first 13 weeks of benefits. After that, NYS Department of Labor becomes more flexible with what they consider "suitable work." I'd recommend documenting everything - save job postings, note why you declined offers, and keep records of salary ranges you're seeing. Also, "suitable work" considers factors beyond just salary - commute distance, work schedule, and whether it matches your skills/experience. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's better to call and ask rather than guess wrong and risk your benefits.

Ok so this is gonna sound weird but you need to call at EXACTLY 8:02am (not 8:00, not 8:05) using the SECOND phone number on the website (not the main one). They have some weird call routing system and this specific time on that line has way less traffic. Worked for me after trying EVERYTHING else.

This is absolutely infuriating but you're not alone. I'm dealing with something similar - been pending for 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The system is completely broken. From reading all these comments, it sounds like there are a few options that actually work: 1) Contact your state assembly person/senator (they apparently have direct contacts at DOL), 2) Try that claimyr service that multiple people here vouched for, or 3) Keep trying the phone at exactly 8:02am like someone mentioned. I'm going to try contacting my state rep first since that's free, then maybe the claimyr thing if that doesn't work. Hang in there - sounds like once you actually reach a human they can fix these issues pretty quickly. The hard part is just getting through to someone!

Good luck with everything! Losing a federal job is really stressful. At least you know you have unemployment benefits to fall back on while you look for something new.

Just wanted to add that when you file your claim, make sure you have your most recent SF-50 (Personnel Action form) handy - NYS Department of Labor will likely ask for it during the application process. Also, if you're planning to apply for other federal positions, you can still collect unemployment benefits while job searching, just make sure to report any interview travel reimbursements or temporary work. The waiting period is the same as regular unemployment (one week), so don't panic if you don't see payments right away. Hope this helps and sorry to hear about your position being eliminated!

Thanks everyone. I think I'll apply based on the restaurant job and see what happens. At least now I know how to report the DoorDash earnings properly if my claim gets approved.

Good luck with your application! Just wanted to add - when you report your DoorDash earnings, make sure to keep detailed records of your daily/weekly income since gig work can be so variable. NYS Department of Labor will want accurate numbers, and having good documentation will help if there are any questions later. Also remember that you need to be actively seeking traditional employment while collecting benefits, so keep applying for regular jobs too. The combination of partial benefits plus some DoorDash income might actually work out better than just doing gig work alone right now.

I'm going through something similar right now - was terminated two weeks ago while on FMLA for my spouse's surgery. The company said it was "business needs" but I suspect it's retaliation. I filed my unemployment claim the day after termination and just got word that it's under review. The customer service rep I spoke to said that being on FMLA when terminated doesn't disqualify you, and they'll look at whether the employer had legitimate reasons. She advised me to submit all my FMLA paperwork and any documentation about the termination reason. It's scary but I'm hopeful - sounds like NYS takes these cases seriously when there's potential FMLA interference. Hang in there and definitely file right away like others have said!

I'm a former HR professional and can confirm that termination while on FMLA leave is a major red flag for potential retaliation. NYS Department of Labor will absolutely investigate this - they have specific protocols for reviewing terminations that occur during protected leave periods. The "restructuring" excuse is common but won't hold up if they can't prove it was legitimate business necessity unrelated to your FMLA status. File your claim immediately and be sure to include: 1) Your FMLA approval documentation, 2) The exact dates of your leave, 3) Your termination notice with the stated reason, and 4) Any performance reviews showing you were in good standing. If they had legitimate restructuring reasons, they should have documentation from before your leave started. Don't be intimidated - you have strong protections here and deserve those benefits after 4 years of employment!