The whole system is a mess honestly. I don't understand why they can't just hire more people to answer the phones instead of making everyone wait months for basic help.

I went through something similar in Albany last year. While the local offices can't handle unemployment claims directly, I found that visiting in person helped me get better phone numbers and contact information from the staff there. The Syracuse office on South State Street might be able to give you direct numbers for specific departments or supervisors who can escalate your case. Also, try calling the general number right at 7:59 AM and keep hitting redial - sometimes you can get in the queue before the lines get completely jammed. Document everything about your case including dates and reference numbers so when you do get through you can give them all the details quickly. The adjudication delays are unfortunately very common right now but persistence does pay off eventually.

I guarantee someone put a hold on your account and the system isn't telling you. It's happened to SO many people. The only way to fix it is getting through to a live person who can see what's actually going on with your claim. Keep calling or use claimyr.com to get through.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Been stuck in this certification loop for 2 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I get the confirmation email saying my certification was successful, but then the next day it's like it never happened. I tried calling during different times of day but can never get through to a human. Has anyone tried certifying at different times during the week? I've been doing it on Sundays like you're supposed to, but wondering if there's a better day/time when their system is less glitchy. Also going to try the Claimyr service that people are mentioning - at this point I'm willing to pay to get this resolved since I'm behind on bills too.

Also remember you need to be registered with the state job service and keep your resume updated. And if you're offered a job that's considered 'suitable work' you generally have to take it or risk losing benefits. The definition of suitable work can be tricky though.

@Evelyn Kelly - Just to summarize the key weekly requirements since there's a lot of info here: 1) File your weekly claim by midnight Sunday at my.ny.gov, 2) Complete 3 job search activities and keep detailed records (company name, position, date, contact info), 3) Report ANY work or income even if it's just a few hours, 4) Be available and able to work each day. The job search log doesn't have to be on a special form - you can keep your own records as long as they're detailed. I'd recommend filing your weekly claim earlier in the week rather than waiting until Sunday to avoid any system issues. Good luck with your claim!

I was in your exact situation last yr... exhausted benefits, couldn't find work, thought I was screwed. I ONLY found a solution by talking to an actual human at unemployment. Obviously impossible to get through on phone but I used claimyr.com which was clutch. Agent helped me understand exactly what I needed to qualify again and suggested other programs in the meantime. Best money I spent all year tbh.

I'm in a similar situation - exhausted benefits last summer and have only had sporadic freelance work since. From reading through all these comments, it sounds like the key requirements are: 1) Your benefit year needs to be fully over (52 weeks from when you first applied), 2) You need earnings in at least 2 quarters since your last claim began, 3) At least $2,600+ in your highest quarter, and 4) Total base period wages need to be 1.5x your highest quarter. With only 6 weeks of temp work, you probably won't qualify yet, but definitely look into those other assistance programs people mentioned (SNAP, 211, local food banks). The job market really is brutal right now - you're not alone in this struggle!

The schedule change thing might work but you need to prove it was a substantial change from your original job agreement and that it creates undue hardship. Save all communications about the schedule changes and document how it affects your ability to maintain childcare arrangements.

I went through something similar with my previous employer constantly changing my hours with no notice. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log of every schedule change - dates, times, how much notice I was given, and how it impacted my childcare arrangements. I also saved screenshots of the original job posting and my employment agreement that showed my expected schedule. When I applied for unemployment after quitting, having that paper trail made all the difference. The key is showing that the employer materially changed your working conditions from what was originally agreed upon. Document everything now before you make any decisions!