Same boat here, been waiting since December for my standby status to be approved. The system definitely needs major reforms but in the meantime we're all just stuck dealing with it. At least knowing other people are going through the same thing makes me feel less alone in this mess.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed my claim in March and still waiting in adjudication. What's really frustrating is how the NYS DOL website gives you zero information about what's actually happening with your case or how much longer it might take. I've tried calling dozens of times and either get disconnected or told to "keep waiting." It feels like they designed this system to discourage people from getting their benefits. Has anyone had luck contacting their local assembly member's office? I'm thinking about trying that route since the regular channels aren't working at all.

My brother got fired for poor performance and had no issues getting unemployment. The employer tried to fight it but NYS Department of Labor sided with him. Make sure you document everything that's happening now in case you need it later for your claim or an appeal.

I went through something similar last year - the anxiety of feeling like you're under a microscope is terrible. Just to add to what others have said, keep detailed records of any meetings, warnings, or performance discussions you have with your supervisor. If they do terminate you, having documentation of your side can really help during the unemployment adjudication process. Also, don't let them pressure you into resigning "voluntarily" - that can complicate your eligibility. If you're fired for performance issues rather than misconduct, you should qualify for benefits. NYS Department of Labor generally understands that not every job is the right fit for every person. Hang in there!

Update: You guys were right, no deposit today (Wednesday). I checked my payment history on the website and it shows the payment is scheduled for tomorrow. Lesson learned about claiming on time! Thanks for all the help.

Same thing happened to me last month! I was panicking about rent too. One thing that might help for the future - you can actually start the certification process earlier in the day and save it as a draft if you get interrupted by family stuff. Then you can come back and submit it before the 7pm cutoff. I learned this the hard way after missing the deadline twice. Also, if you're really in a bind with rent, some landlords will accept a screenshot of your pending payment from the NYSDOL website as proof that it's coming the next day.

The partial unemployment thing saved me when my hours got cut at the warehouse. Just remember you have to report EVERY dollar you earn, even tips if you get them. And if your employer puts you back to full time, you have to stop claiming immediately. Don't try to keep collecting if your hours go back up or you'll owe money back.

@Layla I was in a similar situation last year when my hours got cut from full-time to part-time. The key thing to understand is that partial unemployment isn't a separate program - it's just regular unemployment benefits calculated for people who are still working reduced hours. You file the same initial claim, but when you certify weekly you report your gross earnings and they reduce your benefit accordingly. The good news is there's usually a small amount you can earn before they start deducting dollar-for-dollar from your benefits. Definitely worth applying since you've had such a significant hour reduction. Just make sure to keep detailed records of your weekly earnings.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! I've been certified for 4 weeks but noticed my first week never got paid. From what I've researched, you should look in your online account under "Payment History" to see if that first week shows as "pending" or just missing entirely. If it's showing as pending, it might resolve automatically, but if it's not there at all, you'll definitely need to call. I've heard calling right when they open at 8am gives you the best chance of getting through. Also try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday - Mondays are apparently the worst day to try.

I had this exact same issue a few months ago! What worked for me was calling the NYS Department of Labor claims line at (888) 209-8124 first thing in the morning - I'd recommend calling right at 8:00 AM sharp on a Tuesday or Wednesday like others mentioned. When you get through, explain that you're missing payment for your first week and ask them to review your claim history. The rep was able to see that my first week got stuck in processing and manually pushed it through. Also, make sure to have your confirmation number from when you first filed ready - they'll likely ask for it. It took about 2 weeks after the call for the payment to hit my account, but I did get the full amount including the $300 federal supplement that was active at the time. Don't give up - that money is rightfully yours!