I'm really sorry to hear about your situation, Grace. The restaurant industry has been so unpredictable, and it sounds like you're dealing with exactly what the partial unemployment system was designed to help with. A few additional tips that might help: - When you apply online, make sure you have your employer's federal tax ID number (EIN) ready - sometimes the system can't find your employer without it - If you're getting direct deposit, it usually takes about 2-3 business days after certification for the payment to hit your account - Keep screenshots of your weekly certifications in case there are any issues later Also, don't stress too much about your employer being notified. In my experience, most restaurant managers understand that partial unemployment is just part of the business when hours fluctuate. It's actually better for them too since they can keep trained staff on reduced hours instead of having to completely lay people off and then rehire and retrain later. You're taking the right steps by applying now. Even if your hours pick up again, having that safety net in place is so important in this industry. Good luck with your application!

I went through this exact same situation last year when my hours at a diner got cut from full-time to just weekend shifts. Here's what I learned that might help: The NY unemployment system actually works pretty well for restaurant workers once you understand it. You can definitely get partial benefits with reduced hours - I was getting around $200-250 per week when I was only working 12-15 hours. One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple log of my actual hours worked and tips earned each day. I used the notes app on my phone to track everything because the weekly certification asks for specific numbers. Also, make sure you report your tips honestly - they cross-reference with what your employer reports, and any discrepancies can delay your payments. The employer notification thing stressed me out too, but my manager was actually understanding about it. Most restaurant owners know this is just part of the business cycle. Apply ASAP because there's usually a waiting period before your first payment. The sooner you get in the system, the sooner you'll start getting help with those bills. You've got this!

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible to get help when you need it most. I've been trying to figure out how to apply for more unemployment benefits for weeks and every NYS Department of Labor rep gives me different information.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! After my 26 weeks ran out, I was able to file a new claim because I had worked enough during my benefit year. The key thing to know is that NY looks at your wages earned AFTER your original claim start date. I had to wait until my full benefit year ended (365 days from my first claim) before I could apply for the new claim. When I finally did apply through my.ny.gov, it took about 2-3 weeks to get approved. Just make sure you have all your employment records ready from any work you did during your previous claim period, even if it was part-time or temporary work.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS SET UP TO PROTECT WORKERS from employers who try to dodge their responsibilities. If companies could just opt out of paying unemployment insurance, nobody would ever qualify for benefits! NYS Department of Labor takes this stuff seriously and audits employers regularly. Don't let any employer tell you they 'don't participate' in unemployment - that's not how it works.

One thing to keep in mind is that even part-time and temporary workers are usually covered under New York's unemployment insurance system, as long as they meet the minimum earnings requirements. So if you're working multiple jobs or just started somewhere new, you're likely building up eligibility. The system tracks your earnings from all covered employers over the past 18 months when you file a claim. It's actually pretty comprehensive coverage compared to some other states.

For identity verification issues (which is what this sounds like), try calling their fraud department directly instead of the main number. The fraud dept number should be on their website and usually has shorter wait times because fewer people know about it. If it's actually an ID verification issue they can help you just the same as the main line.

I feel your pain! Same exact situation happened to me 3 months ago - got the dreaded "call within 7 days" email and spent literally 6 days straight trying to get through. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1) Called at exactly 7:59 AM (before they officially open) and somehow got in queue early, 2) Used redial on my phone so I could call back faster when it disconnected, and 3) Had multiple phones going at once (mine + borrowed my roommate's). I know it sounds extreme but I was desperate. Also document EVERYTHING - screenshots of your call log, the original email, etc. When I finally got through the agent said they see this all the time and they know their phone system is trash. Don't give up! Even if you miss the 7-day thing, keep trying and explain you've been calling nonstop. The agents are usually understanding about it since they deal with these complaints all day. You've got this! 💪

honestly the whole system is broken, physical offices used to actually help people but now everything is online or phone only and good luck getting anyone on the phone

I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate government services. While most unemployment claim issues do need to be handled through the phone system, there are still some local offices that can provide limited in-person assistance. For Rochester area, try contacting the Monroe County Department of Human Services - they sometimes have staff who can help you navigate the online system or provide guidance on claim issues. Also, many public libraries have staff trained to help with my.ny.gov access if you're having technical difficulties with the website. It's not ideal, but these local resources might be able to point you in the right direction even if they can't directly resolve your claim.