One thing to keep in mind is that your benefits might be subject to federal income tax, so that $504/week could be even less take-home depending on your tax situation. You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly certifications. Also, since you're in finance, you might want to look into whether your company offers any outplacement services - many larger firms do, and that can help with your job search requirements while you're collecting benefits.

Another thing to consider is timing if you do get laid off in January - that's actually a good time to file because your benefit year will run through the end of December, so you'll have the full 26 weeks available if needed. Also, start documenting everything now about your work history and wages. NYS Department of Labor sometimes has issues with their wage records, especially for high earners, so having your own pay stubs and tax documents ready can speed up the process. And don't forget - even though $504 is way less than your current income, it's still something, and every week you delay filing after becoming unemployed is money left on the table since you can't backdate claims.

The worst part about these weekly claim questions is that they never explain what happens if you get it wrong until AFTER you've already been disqualified or overpaid. The NYS Department of Labor system should give you warnings or explanations before you submit, not weeks later when they decide to audit your claim.

I totally understand the confusion with these questions! I've been filing for about 3 months now and had to learn the hard way. Here's what I figured out: For the work refusal question, they're looking for actual job offers you turned down - not just jobs you didn't apply for or volunteer opportunities. And yes, online applications absolutely count as job contacts! I keep a simple spreadsheet with the date, company name, position, and method (online, email, phone, etc.). The NYS Department of Labor website actually has a job search log template you can download. One tip - if you're ever unsure about how to answer, it's better to call and ask than to guess wrong. I learned that the hard way when I had to deal with an overpayment notice because I misunderstood the earnings question.

One thing I wish I had known earlier - if you do any freelance or gig work while collecting unemployment, you have to report ALL income, even small amounts. I got in trouble for not reporting a $50 freelance writing job because I thought it was too small to matter. NYS Department of Labor can cross-reference with tax records, so it's better to be completely transparent about any work you do, even if it seems insignificant.

Another thing to consider is that unemployment benefits can affect your eligibility for certain means-tested programs if you're also receiving other government assistance. The unemployment income counts toward your total household income for things like SNAP benefits or Medicaid eligibility calculations. It's not necessarily a reason not to file, but it's worth checking how it might impact other benefits you're receiving. Also, keep really good records of all your job search activities - screenshots of applications, contact info for places you applied, etc. If NYS ever audits your work search requirement compliance, having detailed documentation makes the process much smoother.

I tried calling NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on my benefit amount but couldn't get through after waiting on hold for over an hour. Their phone system is impossible! Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

Just want to add that you also have to factor in taxes. The unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have them withhold federal taxes or set aside money for when you file. Learned that the hard way last year!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my claim 4 weeks ago and it's been stuck on "pending review" ever since. The worst part is I keep seeing people who filed after me already getting their benefits. I've probably called 50+ times with no luck - either busy signals or getting disconnected after hours on hold. It's so frustrating because I worked and paid into this system for years, and now when I actually need it, they make it nearly impossible to access. Reading through these comments, it sounds like calling is basically mandatory now even though the website makes it seem like everything can be done online. Might have to try that claimyr service people keep mentioning since the traditional methods clearly aren't working. Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess!

I'm in the exact same situation! Filed my claim 3 weeks ago after getting laid off from my retail job and it's been stuck on "pending review" ever since. I've called probably 30+ times with zero success - always busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever. It's so stressful watching my bills pile up while the system just sits there doing nothing. Based on all these comments it really sounds like you HAVE to call to get anywhere, which is insane since the website makes it seem like everything should work online. Definitely going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow and maybe look into that claimyr service if that doesn't work. Thanks for posting this - it helps knowing I'm not the only one dealing with this broken system!