Just to add - make sure you're ready to start doing job searches right away too because NYS Department of Labor requires you to be actively looking for work. You'll need to log your job search activities and be able to provide proof if they ask for it. Don't let that part catch you off guard like it did me!

@Jade Santiago - Yes, definitely file today! Don't wait any longer. Since you lost your job on December 15th and it's now late December, you've already missed out on potential benefits for those weeks. When you file your claim on the NY.gov website, your benefit year will start from the date you file, not from when you were laid off. So the sooner you get that application in, the better. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your warehouse job ready when you apply. The process can take a little while to complete online, so set aside some time to do it properly.

Been through this before. The key thing is how you describe why you were fired when you file your claim. Be factual but don't admit to anything that could be considered misconduct. If they say 'poor performance' that's usually not disqualifying. But if they claim you violated policy or were insubordinate, that's when it gets tricky.

ugh the whole system is so stressful when you're already dealing with losing your job

I feel your pain with the confusing phone system! Just wanted to add that if you do use the 1-888-209-8124 number that Dmitri mentioned, make sure you have your claim confirmation number from your last filing ready too - sometimes the system asks for it. Also, if you get an error message saying the system is busy, try calling back in like 15-20 minutes rather than immediately. The automated system seems to have limits on how many people can use it at once. Hope this helps and you get through soon!

I went through the same exact frustration last month! The key is to call 1-888-209-8124 during your designated filing window (sounds like you figured out yours is Tuesday-Thursday). I found the best time is actually around 6-7 AM on Tuesday mornings - way less traffic on the system. Also pro tip: if the automated system tells you "your call cannot be completed" don't hang up right away, sometimes it still connects you after a few seconds. Make sure you have your SSN, PIN, and last week's confirmation number ready. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes once you get through. Hang in there - the system is definitely poorly designed but it does work eventually!

Just went through this same confusion last month! The NY DOL website actually has a countdown timer that shows when weekly certification opens - it's at the top of the page once you log in. Really helps take the guesswork out of it. Also, don't stress too much about the exact timing - I've claimed anywhere from Sunday morning to Wednesday and still got paid on the same Tuesday. The system is pretty forgiving as long as you get it done within the week!

Welcome to the unemployment filing world! Just filed my first claim last month too and was just as confused. One thing that really helped me was bookmarking the NY DOL login page and checking it Saturday night around 11:45 PM - you'll see the system update right at midnight and the "Weekly Certification" button becomes active. Also heads up - if you're planning to do it Sunday morning, have your coffee ready because the questions take about 10-15 minutes to complete properly. Better to be awake and focused than rush through it! Good luck! 🍀

This whole system is so messed up! They expect you to take any job but then half the employers want you to jump through ridiculous hoops like drug tests, background checks, credit checks. Meanwhile NYS Department of Labor makes it impossible to actually talk to a human being when you have questions. I've been fighting with them for months over my claim status.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. From what I learned, the NYS Department of Labor generally considers refusing a pre-employment drug test as withdrawing your application rather than refusing suitable work. The key distinction is that you never actually received a firm job offer - the drug test was a prerequisite TO getting the offer. I ended up calling the unemployment office (took forever to get through) and they confirmed that as long as you're still actively job searching and meeting your weekly requirements, this shouldn't affect your benefits. Just make sure you're documenting all your job search activities in case they ever audit your claim.