Just went through this same situation last week! @Skylar Neal you definitely don't need the employer UI account number to file your initial claim. I was panicking about the same thing but it turns out the NYS system just needs your employer's exact business name, their address, and your employment dates. Make sure you use the EXACT name from your paystubs - don't abbreviate anything. The Department of Labor will handle the matching on their end. I was able to file successfully without any employer account numbers. Don't stress about the deadline - as long as you have your basic employment info, you should be good to go!

I went through this exact same headache a few months ago when I got laid off from my retail job. Like everyone else is saying, you definitely don't need that employer UI account number to file your initial claim. The NYS system can be really confusing because some of the older help pages still mention it, but the current online filing process at my.ny.gov just needs your employer's business name exactly as it appears on your paystubs, their address, and your employment dates. I made the mistake of trying to abbreviate my company's name the first time and got an error, but once I put in the full legal name it went through fine. Don't let this delay your filing - you've got enough to worry about after being laid off without stressing over information you don't actually need!

I'm in a similar situation and have been trying to call the NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about benefit amounts but can never get through! The phone lines are always busy and when I do get in the queue I get disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to reach them? This is so frustrating when you're trying to plan your finances.

just a heads up the weekly amounts change every year so make sure youre looking at 2025 rates not old info. also in nyc the cost of living is crazy so even the max barely covers rent but its better than nothing i guess

same boat here, filed last month and still waiting. at least you know what to expect now. the waiting is the worst part but once it gets going the payments come regularly

Don't panic - you're actually in a pretty normal spot right now! The "claim pending" status is typical for the first week or two. Here's what helped me when I went through this process: 1) Set up email/text alerts in your my.ny.gov account so you don't miss any requests for documents, 2) Start keeping a job search log RIGHT NOW even before approval - I use a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and contact method, 3) File your weekly claim this Sunday regardless of pending status (this tripped me up initially), and 4) Be patient with the determination letter - mine took about 10 business days. The system is slow but it does work eventually. You've got this!

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation! Got an overpayment notice for $875 back in April and absolutely ZERO instructions on how to pay it. I've been checking my portal constantly, called dozens of times with no luck getting through, and the stress is eating me alive. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though - sounds like getting a real person on the phone is really the only way to get clear guidance. I'm definitely going to try that claimyr service that so many people have mentioned since the regular phone system seems completely broken. It's insane that they can tell you that you owe money but then make it nearly impossible to actually pay it back! The thought of penalties and interest piling up while I'm stuck in limbo is giving me anxiety. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - at least I know I'm not alone in this nightmare!

I'm in the EXACT same situation right now! Got an overpayment notice for $1,650 in March and it's now almost August with absolutely no payment instructions. I've been stressing about this for months, checking my portal daily and finding nothing. After reading all these comments, I'm convinced that getting someone on the phone is the only real solution. The claimyr service that everyone keeps mentioning sounds like exactly what I need - I had no idea something like that even existed! I've probably tried calling 30+ times over the past few months and never got through once. The anxiety of not knowing if penalties are building up in the background is horrible. I'm definitely going to try claimyr this week because I just want this resolved and off my mind. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this confusing mess of a system!

I'm jumping in here because I just went through this exact same situation 2 months ago - NY benefits expired, three kids, former restaurant worker, the whole thing. It's absolutely terrifying but you WILL get through this. Here's what actually worked for me: I applied for emergency SNAP and HEAP the same day my benefits ended (don't wait - the approval process takes time). Then I hit up every single temp agency in my area in one day - brought copies of my resume and was working within 48 hours doing warehouse shifts. Not glamorous but it kept food on the table. The game changer was when I found out about NY's Rapid Response services - they're specifically for people who've exhausted unemployment. They connected me with a 6-week customer service training program that was completely free and included job placement help. I'm now working full-time at a credit union making $22/hour with full benefits. The key is to take ANY income while you build toward something better. Also, hit up local food pantries immediately - there's no shame in feeding your kids. You're a good parent doing whatever it takes. This community has given you amazing advice - now just pick 2-3 things and start tomorrow. You've got this!

I'm reading through all these responses and just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year - don't overlook your local Workforce1 Career Centers. They have services specifically for parents like emergency childcare assistance while you're job hunting or in interviews, which was a huge help for me. They also have partnerships with employers who understand that people coming off unemployment need flexible start dates and are willing to work with your situation. The center near me had a "rapid hire" event every Friday where local employers would do on-the-spot interviews for immediate openings. I know it feels impossible right now, but you're clearly a hard worker (6 years at the same restaurant shows loyalty and reliability) and employers need people like that. Also, with all your restaurant experience, don't forget about catering companies - they often pay better than restaurants and the work can be more predictable. Some even offer benefits if you work a certain number of events per month. Keep pushing forward - from everything I'm reading here, you're building a solid plan and you're going to make it through this!