Update us when you get this resolved! Were you able to reach someone at NYSDOL? The base period recalculation explanation sounds most likely, but it's important to confirm. Sometimes there can be multiple issues affecting your benefit amount simultaneously.

Wow, thanks for updating us @Sarah Ali! I'm so glad you got this figured out and that Claimyr service actually worked. This whole thread has been super educational - I had no idea about the base period recalculation thing. It's crazy that NYSDOL doesn't explain this better upfront. Like, they should send a clear notice saying "Your benefits are changing because we're now using different quarters to calculate your amount" instead of just... reducing it with no explanation. At least now if this happens to me or others, we'll know what to look for. Sorry you're dealing with the reduced amount but glad the mystery is solved!

definitely file asap! the sooner you file the sooner your claim can get processed. you'll probably have to do weekly claims for those 3 weeks but it's worth it

Just wanted to add that you should document everything about this situation - save any emails about your termination, your original resignation notice, anything that shows the timeline. NYS Department of Labor might ask for documentation during the claims process, and having a clear paper trail will help support your case that you were terminated involuntarily after giving proper notice. This kind of documentation can be really helpful if there are any questions about your eligibility.

Here's what I learned the hard way: NY unemployment doesn't care about your business struggles - they only care if you're available for full-time work. If you tell them you're still trying to save your business while looking for jobs, they'll deny you. You need to be crystal clear that your business is effectively closed (even if legally still exists) and you're 100% available for full-time employment.

Been lurking here for a while but finally creating an account to share what worked for me. I was in almost the exact same situation with my catering business in 2023 - spent years building it up, then supply costs killed my margins and I couldn't pay myself for months. The key insight that saved me: you CAN get unemployment as a business owner IF you've been paying yourself W-2 wages and UI taxes (which it sounds like you have). The trick is formally laying yourself off from your own business while being genuinely available for full-time work. I kept my LLC active but stopped all operations and client work. Document everything - the date you stopped working, your job search efforts, financial records showing no income. Most importantly, when you apply, be very clear that your business operations have ceased and you're seeking full-time employment. Don't mention trying to "save" the business - that signals you're not fully available for work. I know it feels like giving up on your dream, but you can always restart operations later when you're financially stable. The unemployment benefits gave me breathing room to find a good job, and now I'm actually planning to restart my catering business as a side venture. Hang in there - 9 years of experience doesn't just disappear!

Ok everyone, I FINALLY got through this morning at 8:02am! The wait was only 17 minutes instead of 2+ hours. The issue was that they needed additional verification for my identity (exactly what you mentioned @user7). They're sending me a link to upload documents. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Congrats on getting through @Maya! That's such a relief after all that frustration. For anyone else still struggling - I've had success with the early morning strategy too. Also wanted to add that if you're dealing with identity verification issues, make sure your documents are recent (within the last 6 months) and that all text is clearly readable. I had to resubmit mine twice because the first photos were too blurry. The whole process took about 10 business days once I got the documents right.

good luck!! let us know how it goes, hoping everything works out for u!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and won my appeal! Here's what really helped me: I created a detailed spreadsheet showing every single work search activity by date, including the method (online application, phone call, in-person visit), company name, position title, and any confirmation numbers or emails I received. Even though I had made the same mistake of doing most activities on one day, the judge appreciated that I had clearly been making genuine efforts to find work. The key is showing good faith compliance with the spirit of the law, even if you didn't technically meet every requirement perfectly. Also, practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely - you'll probably only have 10-15 minutes to present your case. Don't let them intimidate you with all the legal language - just tell your story honestly with your evidence ready!