Wait, I thought if you had a recall date you couldn't collect unemployment at all? Now I'm wondering if I missed out on benefits when this happened to me six months ago...

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The recall date basically means you're on "temporary layoff" status. You absolutely CAN and SHOULD collect unemployment benefits during this time. Keep filing your weekly claims and make sure to report the recall date when asked. The key thing is that your work search requirements are usually reduced - instead of applying to multiple jobs per week, you mainly just need to stay available and ready to return when called. But definitely keep track of any changes to that recall date because if it gets pushed back or cancelled, you'll need to report it immediately. Don't let the confusing website language scare you - you're entitled to these benefits!

The whole system is so confusing honestly. I filed too early once and they told me I had to wait and refile. Then another time I waited too long and missed out on a week of benefits. There should be clearer instructions on the website about timing.

Based on my experience, here's the exact timeline: File your initial claim application on the Monday after your last day of work (so the Monday after next Friday in your case). Once your claim is approved (usually takes 2-3 business days), you can then file your first weekly certification for that same week you became unemployed. The important thing is that you must be totally unemployed during the entire week you're claiming - so if Friday is your last day, you'd claim the full week starting that Monday. Don't overthink it - just make sure you have all your employment documentation ready and file as soon as you're eligible. The system will guide you through the process once you start.

Have you tried talking to your manager or HR about this issue in writing? Before you quit, I'd recommend sending an email documenting your original availability agreement and requesting accommodation for your school schedule. This creates a paper trail that shows you tried to resolve the issue before leaving. If they refuse or ignore your request, that strengthens your case for "good cause" if you do end up quitting. Also, check if your employee handbook mentions anything about scheduling accommodations - sometimes there are policies they're supposed to follow that they're not honoring.

I went through something similar when I was in college. My employer kept ignoring my class schedule even though I gave it to them at the start of each semester. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every time they scheduled me during class hours, every conversation I had with my manager about it, and took screenshots of my schedule vs my class times. I also sent a formal email to HR explaining the situation and requesting they honor my original availability agreement. When they didn't respond, I quit and filed for unemployment. It took about 6 weeks for adjudication, but I was approved because I could prove I tried to resolve it and that the schedule conflicts made it impossible to keep the job. The key is having documentation that shows you made good faith efforts to work with them first.

ugh this is exactly what im worried about too... my benefits end next month and i still havent found anything decent. the job market is terrible right now

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending soon too. From what I've researched, New York's Extended Benefits program is tied to specific unemployment rate triggers that have to be met at the state level. The program can provide up to 13 additional weeks, but only when the state's unemployment rate is significantly higher than it was in previous years. I'd recommend calling NYS DOL directly or checking their website for current trigger status, since this changes based on monthly employment data. Even if extensions aren't available right now, they could become available if economic conditions change.

one thing i learned is make sure you file your weekly claim every week even if your claim is pending or in adjudication. if you miss weeks you cant go back and get those payments later. learned that the hard way and lost out on like $1200

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. One thing nobody mentioned is that you need to have worked at least 2 quarters in your base period to qualify, and your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you've only been at your warehouse job for 8 months, make sure those months fall within the right time frame. Also, if your hours got cut but you're still employed, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits which could help bridge the gap while you look for something better.