Just want to add that you should apply for benefits as soon as possible after being laid off - there's a one week waiting period before you can start collecting, and benefits are calculated from when you first file, not when you lost your job. Also, make sure you have all your employment info ready (dates, employer details, reason for separation) because the NYS Department of Labor will need to verify everything with your former employer before approving your claim.

One thing to keep in mind is that the $504 maximum weekly benefit amount gets adjusted annually, so make sure you're looking at the current year's rates. Also, if you worked part-time or had variable hours during your base period, your benefit calculation might be lower than expected. The NYS Department of Labor uses your earnings from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim, so recent pay changes might not be reflected in your benefit amount. It's worth checking your benefit estimate on the ny.gov website once you file - they'll give you a pretty accurate breakdown of what to expect.

I'm in the exact same boat! Part time making about $420 a week. Been on partial unemployment since November. The key is the days - if you work 4 days or more, you get nothing that week even if you make $1.

Just wanted to add - if you're working 25 hours across 5 days, that's going to be a problem with NY's system. Like others mentioned, it's about DAYS worked, not hours. Even if you only work 2 hours on a day, that still counts as a full day worked. At 5 days, you won't qualify for any benefits even if you're only making $300/week total. Try talking to your employer about consolidating those 25 hours into 3 days if possible - that would make you eligible for partial benefits. I know it's not always feasible but worth asking. The NY system is incredibly frustrating but you definitely have options if you can work the days requirement to your advantage. Also, definitely file online first but have a backup plan for when (not if) you need to talk to someone. The wait times are brutal but there are services that can help you get through faster.

Glad you got through! For anyone else struggling with this issue, remember these key points: 1. Continue certifying every week, even if payments are pending 2. Report your earnings accurately - any discrepancies will cause further delays 3. Answer YES to being ready/available for full-time work (unless you're not) 4. Try calling at strategic times (8:00AM opening or 4:30-5:30PM) 5. If you can't get through after multiple attempts, consider using a service like Claimyr 6. When you do reach someone, ask specifically for a "benefits recalculation review expedition" Hope this helps others avoid the same frustration!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it was incredibly stressful! Here's what I learned that might help others: when your payments get stuck in "pending" after reporting part-time work, you can also try contacting your local One-Stop Career Center. They sometimes have direct lines to NYSDOL representatives and can help escalate your case. Mine was able to get my review expedited within a week instead of waiting the full month+ that others were experiencing. Also, make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your earnings and certification dates - having everything organized when you finally get through to someone makes the process go much faster. Don't give up!

Before you quit, document EVERYTHING starting now. Take photos of schedule changes, save any hostile emails or texts, write down dates and details of incidents immediately after they happen. If possible, try to get the hostile behavior in writing - maybe send an email to your boss summarizing a verbal conversation you had. Also consider filing a complaint with the state labor department about the working conditions if they're truly unsafe or illegal. Having an official complaint on file can strengthen your unemployment case.

Another thing to consider is consulting with an employment attorney before you quit. Many offer free consultations and can help you understand if your situation might qualify as constructive dismissal - where the working conditions are so bad that quitting is essentially the same as being fired. They can also advise on whether you have any other legal options against your employer for creating a hostile work environment. Having legal documentation or even just a lawyer's opinion letter about your situation could help support your unemployment claim later.

I work in HR and have dealt with several cases like this. One thing to consider is whether your employer offers short-term disability benefits - this might bridge the gap while you figure out your long-term options. Also, make sure to get detailed medical documentation that specifically states how your job duties are incompatible with your condition. If you do end up having to leave, the way you separate from employment matters a lot for your unemployment claim. Sometimes employers will agree to a medical separation rather than making you quit, which can help your case with NYS Department of Labor. Don't give up hope - there are often more options than people realize.

I went through something very similar about 8 months ago with a back injury that made my warehouse job impossible to continue. The process was definitely confusing at first, but here's what I learned: NYS Department of Labor does have provisions for medical separations, but you need to be really strategic about how you approach it. First, don't just quit outright - that almost always leads to a denial. Instead, work with your doctor to get very specific documentation about your limitations and how they conflict with your essential job functions. Then approach your employer about accommodations or medical leave options. If they can't accommodate you and you have to separate, make sure it's documented as a medical separation rather than a voluntary quit. I also recommend filing your unemployment claim as soon as you separate, even if you're not sure you'll qualify - the worst they can do is say no, and you might be surprised. The appeals process exists for a reason, and many people who get initially denied end up getting approved after providing additional medical evidence. Don't let the stress overwhelm you - there are people who can help guide you through this process.