The NYS Department of Labor really needs to bring back in-person filing. Not everyone has reliable internet access and the phone system is a nightmare. This whole online-only approach is leaving people behind when they need help most.

Have you tried using a mobile hotspot or asking a friend/family member if you can use their internet connection? Sometimes filing from a different network can help if your home internet is unreliable. You could also try going to a coffee shop or other business with free wifi. The key is finding a stable connection so you don't get kicked out mid-application. If all else fails, keep trying that early morning call time - I've heard 7:45am right before they open sometimes works better than 8am when everyone else is calling.

Just wanted to update that I found the right page and successfully recertified! Thanks everyone for the help. It's a huge relief. I set a recurring reminder on my phone for Sunday mornings too so I don't forget going forward.

As someone who went through this same confusion when I first started claiming benefits, I'd recommend also signing up for text alerts if NY offers them - some states do this to remind you about certification deadlines. Also, if you're ever traveling or won't have internet access during your certification window, you can usually call ahead to certify by phone. The automated phone system is actually pretty straightforward once you get used to it. Keep your Social Security number and PIN handy when you call. Good luck with your benefits!

This is really helpful information everyone! I work in construction and have had to file claims several times over the years due to project completions and weather-related layoffs. It's good to know there's no lifetime cap - I was starting to worry I might be running out of eligibility. The key thing seems to be making sure you work enough between claims to meet the base period requirements for new claims. Has anyone here had experience with how they calculate the base period when you have gaps in employment?

I'm new to NY unemployment benefits and this thread has been incredibly informative! I just want to confirm my understanding - so there's no lifetime limit on how many times you can collect unemployment in NY, but each individual claim has a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits within a benefit year? And to qualify for a new claim later, you just need to have worked enough to meet the base period requirements again? I'm asking because I'm considering a career change that might involve some periods of unemployment while I transition between industries.

@Santiago Diaz I totally get your anxiety about this - I was terrified of messing up my first certification too! One tip that saved me: before you start your weekly certification, gather everything you need first. Have your job search activities written down (company names, dates, how you applied), any earnings info, and answers to the basic questions ready. The questions are pretty standard each week - did you work, are you able to work, are you available for work, did you look for work, etc. Also, the system usually saves your progress if you need to step away, so don't feel rushed. You're doing great by asking questions first - that shows you care about doing it right!

Hey Santiago! I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're definitely not alone in feeling anxious about this process. I've been certifying for about 3 months now and it really does become routine. One thing that helped me was doing a "practice run" - I went through the certification questions without submitting just to see what they looked like. Also, for your job search activities, don't overthink it! Even simple things like updating your resume, browsing job boards, or reaching out to a contact counts. The key is just being consistent and honest. And definitely report that $180 - NYS DOL is pretty good about calculating the partial benefits automatically. You'll probably still get most of your regular amount. Hang in there, the first certification is always the scariest but you've got this!

I went through something similar after a back injury two years ago. One thing to keep in mind is that workers comp benefits aren't taxable, while unemployment benefits are. So even though your workers comp might be around $670/week (2/3 of your wages), you keep all of it. If you were getting unemployment at $500/week, you'd owe taxes on that. Also, workers comp will continue as long as you're unable to work, while unemployment has time limits. Definitely stick with workers comp for now, and once your doctor clears you for light duty, then you can explore other options if your employer can't accommodate you.

I work in workers comp administration and wanted to add a few more details that might help. In NY, workers comp pays 2/3 of your average weekly wage with no cap (unlike disability benefits), and as others mentioned, it's tax-free. The weekly amount is calculated based on your wages from the year before your injury. Since you're making $52k, that should work out to around $667 per week tax-free, which is significantly better than the $170 max from state disability. Also, workers comp will pay for all your medical treatment related to the injury, including physical therapy when you're ready. Once your doctor releases you to light duty, your employer is required to offer you suitable work if available, or your benefits continue. Don't switch to anything else right now - you're actually in the best financial position possible given your situation.