So glad you got this sorted out! I'm actually dealing with a similar issue right now - my verification emails aren't coming through either. I'm going to try that Claimyr service you mentioned. Quick question though - when you called, did they ask for any specific documentation to verify your identity over the phone? I want to make sure I have everything ready when I get through. This whole Real ID verification rollout has been such a mess!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been trying to get my verification code for 4 days straight and nothing is coming through. I've tried different browsers, cleared my cache, checked every email folder possible, even created a new email address - still nothing. The system keeps saying "code sent" but there's literally nothing in my inbox. This is so incredibly frustrating when you just need to file your claim and get some financial relief. Has anyone had success getting through to the tech support line recently? I'm wondering if the 888-209-8124 number is even working at this point.

I went through this exact calculation process when I filed last year. Based on your $420/week earnings, you'd likely qualify for around $210-240 per week depending on your highest earning quarter. One thing to keep in mind is that NYS Department of Labor also looks at your total base period earnings to determine how many weeks of benefits you can receive (usually up to 26 weeks). The online benefit calculator on their website can give you a rough estimate, but like others mentioned, getting through to an actual representative can be challenging. Make sure you have all your wage statements ready when you apply - they'll need documentation of your earnings for the entire base period.

I'm also dealing with NYS Department of Labor right now and the whole process is pretty overwhelming as a first-time filer. From what I've learned reading through everyone's responses, it sounds like the weekly benefit is roughly half of what you were earning, but capped at that $504 maximum. The part about needing $2,600 minimum in your base period is really important - I almost didn't qualify because of that requirement. Has anyone here had experience with the appeals process if your initial calculation seems wrong? I'm worried they might make an error with my wages since I had a few different part-time jobs during my base period.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My benefits exhausted last month but my benefit year doesn't end until June. I've been so confused about whether to wait or file now. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - it sounds like the key factor is whether you've worked enough since your original claim to qualify for a new one. The part about continuing to certify weekly even with exhausted benefits is news to me too. I stopped certifying thinking there was no point, but now I'm worried I messed something up. Does anyone know if there's a way to go back and certify for missed weeks, or am I stuck having to explain the gap later? Also seeing multiple people confirm that Claimyr service works is reassuring. The regular phone line is absolutely impossible - I've tried calling dozens of times and never gotten through to anyone who could actually help with this specific situation.

I went through this exact same confusion about 4 months ago! The NY unemployment system really doesn't make it clear what to do when benefits exhaust before your benefit year ends. Based on what you've described - benefits exhausted but benefit year ending April 30th, plus 2 months of recent work - you should definitely try to speak with a specialist ASAP rather than just waiting. That recent work history could very well qualify you to file a new claim early, especially if those earnings crossed quarter boundaries and met the minimum thresholds. When I was in a similar situation, the agent was able to pull up my wage records instantly and tell me I qualified based on my interim employment. Don't worry about "breaking" the system by trying to file early - the worst they can tell you is to wait until your benefit year ends. But if you do qualify, you could potentially start receiving payments again without having to wait the full 3+ weeks. I know everyone's mentioned the phone struggles, and they're real. If you can't get through on the regular line after a few days of trying, that Claimyr service others have mentioned really does work. I was skeptical too but it saved me literally days of frustration. And definitely keep certifying weekly even though your benefits are exhausted - this maintains your claim status and creates a continuous record that you're actively seeking work. I almost made the mistake of stopping and it would have created complications later.

You raise valid points about job quality. NYS Department of Labor is actually working on this through their economic development partnerships. They're focusing on attracting tech companies, green energy projects, and advanced manufacturing. These create higher-paying jobs that require the kind of training programs they're expanding. It's a long-term strategy but the pieces are connecting.

I think one major issue is that the current system focuses too much on quantity of job applications rather than quality. The weekly job search requirements push people to apply for anything just to meet the quota, which wastes everyone's time - both job seekers and employers. NYS Department of Labor could improve by offering more personalized career coaching and helping people target jobs that actually match their skills and salary needs. Also, they should streamline the communication process - if people can't even get through to discuss available programs, how can the system work effectively?

Just went through this same situation about 3 weeks ago! The key thing is to file your new claim as soon as your benefit year ends - don't wait. I made the mistake of waiting a few days thinking I needed some kind of official notice, but you can file immediately. The whole process took me about 30 minutes online. One tip: have your bank account info ready because they'll ask if you want direct deposit set up again. Also, if you've been keeping track of your job search activities, make sure you have those records handy because they might ask about what you've been doing to look for work. The waiting period for the new claim was only about a week for me, much faster than my original claim last year.

I just went through the refiling process last month and wanted to add a few things that helped me. First, make sure you file your new claim during business hours if possible - I tried filing late at night and kept getting system timeouts. Second, when they ask about your reason for unemployment, be specific about your job search efforts since your benefit year ended. They want to see you've been actively looking. Also, don't panic if your new weekly benefit amount is different from your old claim - they recalculate everything based on your most recent base period wages. The whole thing felt overwhelming at first but it's really just like filing your very first claim all over again. Good luck!