This thread has been a huge eye-opener for me! I've been on unemployment for about 3 weeks now and honestly thought the weekly certifications were just a formality. Reading about actual audits happening and people having to pay back thousands is seriously scary. I've been doing legitimate job searches - probably 4-5 applications per week plus some networking - but my documentation has been pretty much nonexistent. Just whatever confirmation emails happen to land in my inbox. After reading @Aisha Mohammed's story about the 6-hour documentation scramble and @Camila Castillo's experience with getting audited for 8 random weeks, I'm definitely going to start keeping proper records immediately. Setting up a spreadsheet tonight with columns for date, company, position, application method, and confirmation received. Also going to start taking screenshots of everything and organizing them by week in Google Drive. Better to spend a few extra minutes each week than potentially get hit with a massive overpayment demand later. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical info you need but can't find anywhere official!

This has been such an informative thread! I've been on unemployment for about 5 weeks now after getting laid off from my retail job, and honestly I was being pretty casual about the documentation aspect. I mean, I'm definitely doing legitimate job searches - applying through Indeed, company websites, reaching out to former colleagues - but I was only occasionally saving confirmation emails and screenshots. Reading everyone's audit experiences has been a real wake-up call! @Aisha Mohammed, that 6-hour documentation scramble sounds like an absolute nightmare, and @Camila Castillo, getting asked for 8 random weeks must have been so stressful even with good records. I'm definitely one of those people who figured "they probably don't actually check this stuff" but clearly that's not the case. Starting this weekend I'm going to create a proper tracking system - probably a Google Sheet with all the details plus a Drive folder for screenshots organized by week. The idea of owing back thousands in benefits is terrifying, especially when I'm already struggling financially. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences and advice - this kind of practical info is exactly what people need to know but you never see it spelled out anywhere official!

DETAILED GUIDE FOR GETTING THROUGH: After dealing with this for months, here's what I learned: 1. Regular phone lines are overwhelmed, especially midday 2. Using claimyr.com is honestly the fastest way - they handle the hold time for you 3. Have your claim info ready when you get through 4. Be super nice to the rep, they're dealing with angry people all day 5. Take detailed notes during your call I know paying $20 seems annoying but its better than wasting days trying to get through. The service at claimyr.com is legit and they guarantee you'll get through or money back. Good luck everyone!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who mentioned claimyr.com - I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot after reading all the positive feedback here. Used it yesterday and actually got through to a rep in about 90 minutes! Finally got my claim sorted out after being stuck for 3 weeks. The $20 fee felt steep but honestly it was so worth it compared to the stress and time I was wasting calling dozens of times a day. For anyone still on the fence, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - the peace of mind alone is worth it when you're dealing with bills piling up.

Yeah I remember when I first filed it was so confusing! Make sure you answer all the questions honestly, especially about why you lost your job. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's usually straightforward. But if there were any performance issues or anything like that, be prepared for them to ask follow up questions.

I went through this same process about 6 months ago and it's definitely overwhelming at first! One tip that really helped me - before you start the online application, gather all your documents in one place. You'll want your Social Security card, driver's license, and if you have them, your last few pay stubs and any separation paperwork from your employer. Even if you don't have everything perfect, don't let that stop you from filing. The system is pretty user-friendly once you get started, and you can always update information later if needed. The most important thing is to get that initial claim filed as soon as possible!

Just want to add that you should definitely keep track of your job search activities from day one even while waiting for approval. The NYS Department of Labor requires proof that you're actively looking for work, and they can ask for your job search log at any time.

I went through this process about 6 months ago and it took exactly 3 weeks to get my first payment. The key thing is to make sure all your information is accurate when you file - any discrepancies can delay the process significantly. Also, don't panic if your claim status stays "pending" for a while, that's totally normal. The NYS Department of Labor processes thousands of claims so it just takes time. In the meantime, you might want to reach out to local food banks or community assistance programs if you're worried about making rent. Most landlords are also understanding if you explain the situation and show them your pending unemployment claim.

The unemployment system is so confusing and they don't explain anything clearly. I remember being stressed about every little detail when I filed. Just make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you're unemployed and keep track of your job search activities from day one.

@Kara, one more tip - when you file online, make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records handy. The system will ask for specific dates and wage information from your last employer. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need that info too since they look at your earnings over the "base period" to determine your benefit amount. The whole application took me about 30 minutes when I had everything ready. Good luck!