This thread has been so helpful! I'm in a similar situation where my hours at a retail store got cut from 32 to about 15 hours per week. Reading about the 25% earnings deduction formula really clarifies things - I was worried that working any hours would completely cancel out unemployment benefits. It sounds like it's definitely worth applying since I'm working less than 4 days now. One question though - if my schedule is inconsistent week to week (sometimes 12 hours, sometimes 20), do I just report whatever I actually earned that specific week when I file my weekly claim? And does anyone know if there's a minimum number of hours you need to have worked before the reduction to qualify for partial benefits?

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the waiting week requirement. In NY, you typically have to serve one unpaid waiting week before benefits start, but this applies to partial unemployment too. So even if you get approved quickly, your first week of benefits will be unpaid. Also, make sure you file your claim as soon as your hours get reduced - you can't backdate partial unemployment claims like you sometimes can with regular unemployment. I learned this the hard way when I waited a month thinking my hours might go back up. Lost out on several weeks of potential benefits because I didn't file right away when the reduction happened.

Good luck with your move! Buffalo is a nice city. At least unemployment stuff is one less thing to worry about during a relocation.

I went through something similar when I had to move from Syracuse to Long Island for family reasons while collecting unemployment. The process was actually pretty straightforward - you just need to update your address in the online system and make sure you're still actively job searching in your new area. One thing to keep in mind is that Buffalo might have different job opportunities than Rochester, so you'll want to familiarize yourself with the local job market before you move. Also, make sure all your contact information is current because sometimes they send important notices by mail. The move itself won't disrupt your benefits as long as you stay in New York and keep meeting all the requirements!

Email your state senator AND your assembly person. I'm serious. I tried EVERYTHING to get through for 2 months. Called hundreds of times. Finally emailed my senator's office with my claim info and they had someone from DOL call me within 4 days.

I feel your pain - been in the exact same situation. After weeks of failed attempts, I finally got through using a combination of strategies. First, try calling at 7:58am sharp (not 8am) - the queue opens early. Second, if you have access to multiple phones, use them all to call simultaneously and take whichever one gets through first. Third, don't give up after the first "high call volume" message - immediately hang up and redial. I had to do this 50+ times one morning but finally got in the queue. Also try the Spanish line trick someone mentioned - press 2 for Spanish, then explain in English when you get through. The wait times are much shorter. Last resort: contact your local assembly member's office. They have direct lines to DOL and can often get your case escalated within days instead of months. Hang in there!

just a heads up - they might ask for proof of your substitute certification and stuff like that during the application process so have all your paperwork ready

I went through this exact situation last year as a substitute teacher in the Rochester area. The application process was actually pretty straightforward once I understood what they needed. You'll definitely want to list all the districts you worked for - I had to provide employer information for 8 different school districts. The wage verification took a few weeks since they had to contact each district separately, but my claim was approved. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of all the sub jobs I applied for during my claim period, including screenshots of online applications and emails. Also, don't forget that you can work part-time while on unemployment - so if you pick up occasional summer tutoring or camp work, just report those earnings when you certify each week.

make sure ur answering all the weekly questions correctly. one wrong answer can mess up the whole payment

Had the exact same thing happen to me last month! The effective days getting deducted but showing $0 is actually normal - it means your claim is being processed but the payment hasn't hit your account yet. Since it's been 3 days since the 12/03 release date, I'd definitely call your bank first thing tomorrow morning like others suggested. Sometimes there's just a delay on their end. Don't stress too much about the benefit year ending - as long as you keep certifying weekly you should be good. The system is just slow sometimes 😅