Quick tip: check your message inbox on the portal everyday. sometimes they need additional docs but dont email you about it smh

Been through this nightmare myself - took 3 weeks exactly after ID.me verification. The key thing is making sure your paystubs match EXACTLY what you put on your initial claim (dates, employer name, everything). One tiny discrepancy and they'll hold it up for weeks without telling you. Also double check that your ID.me name matches your unemployment account name perfectly. If there's even a middle initial difference, it can cause delays. Keep certifying weekly no matter what - don't let that lapse or you'll have to start over!

ugh the whole work search thing is such a hassle, like we're not already stressed enough about finding jobs. At least now I know what counts, been doing mostly online apps but will try some other activities too

One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple spreadsheet with all my work search activities. I include columns for date, company name, position title, method of contact (online application, phone call, etc.), and any follow-up actions. NYS Department of Labor may ask for this documentation later, so having it organized from the start saves a lot of stress. Also, don't forget that informational interviews and reaching out to your professional network can count as valid work search activities too - they're not just looking for formal job applications.

Just wanted to add that the NYS Department of Labor website has a work search log template you can download to help track your activities. I print it out each week and fill it in as I go - makes it way easier than trying to remember everything later. Also, don't forget that attending job training programs or workshops can count toward your 3 activities too. I've been doing online skills courses through the library and those qualify as long as they're related to improving your job prospects.

I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and wanted to share what I've learned about the work search requirements. The 3 activities per week is correct, but make sure you're being strategic about it. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with company names, positions applied for, dates, and method of contact. One thing that really helped me was mixing different types of activities - I do 2 job applications and 1 networking activity each week (like reaching out to former colleagues or attending virtual industry meetups). Also, if you're having trouble finding enough suitable positions to apply for, consider expanding your search slightly outside your immediate area or looking into remote opportunities. The key is showing genuine effort to find work while being realistic about your qualifications and the current job market.

Just wanted to add something important that I learned the hard way - make sure you understand the timing requirements for these benefits! For Paid Family Leave, you have to give your employer at least 30 days advance notice if the need for leave is foreseeable (like childbirth). For short-term disability, there's usually a waiting period before benefits kick in, and you need to file the claim within a certain timeframe after becoming disabled. Also, if you're planning to take the full 12 weeks available under PFL, you can take it intermittently or all at once within the first year after your baby's birth. I'd really recommend getting in touch with your employer's benefits administrator now to understand exactly what paperwork you'll need and when to submit it. The last thing you want is to be dealing with benefit denials while you're caring for a newborn!

I just went through this process 6 months ago and wanted to share my experience! You're right to be confused about the unemployment eligibility - I thought I could collect UI benefits too, but learned that taking time off to recover from childbirth and bond with your baby actually disqualifies you because of the "able and available" requirement. However, New York has really good family leave benefits that might work better for your situation. I ended up using short-term disability for my 6-week recovery period (paid at about 50% of my salary), then transitioned to Paid Family Leave for an additional 8 weeks of bonding time (paid at 67% of my average weekly wage). The total 14 weeks gave me much more time with my baby than I initially thought I'd be able to afford. One tip - start gathering your paperwork now! You'll need forms from your doctor, and some need to be completed before your due date. Your employer's HR department should have all the forms and can walk you through the process. Also keep in mind that these benefits are funded through small payroll deductions you've probably been paying all along, so you've already "paid into" this system. Feel free to ask if you have specific questions about the application process!

Does anyone know if they're still doing that $300 extra payment? I heard it ended but my cousin swears he's still getting it 🤷‍♂️

Hey Drew! I just went through this same thing a few weeks ago. The nerves are totally normal - I was sweating bullets beforehand 😅 One thing I wish I'd known: have your bank account info ready in case they need it for direct deposit setup. Also, if you've been doing any freelance or gig work (even just a few hours), be upfront about it. They appreciate honesty and it won't necessarily disqualify you. The virtual format is actually nice because you can have your notes right there on your computer screen. Just don't make it obvious you're reading from them lol. You got this! The people I dealt with were way more understanding than I expected. Let us know how it goes! 🤞