This is why the NY unemployment system needs a complete overhaul. How are regular people supposed to navigate this bureaucratic nightmare? Even honest mistakes become huge problems because the system is designed to be confusing and punitive. The whole thing needs to be simplified.

side note but anytime you need to talk to NY unemployment go with claimyr.com its the only thing that actually works. otherwise you'll waste days trying to get through

just wanted to say good luck with school! going back after being unemployed is tough but totally worth it. make sure you apply for everything - grants, scholarships, work study. the unemployment thing shouldn't stop you from getting aid.

I'm a financial aid counselor and can confirm what others have said - unemployment benefits must be reported on FAFSA but don't panic! The key is understanding that financial aid offices are trained to handle situations like yours. When you report your UI benefits, also complete the "Additional Financial Information" section explaining your job loss. Most schools have emergency aid funds specifically for students who've experienced unemployment. Also, consider applying for state grants early - New York has several programs that factor in unemployment situations. The earlier you start the process, the better your chances of maximizing your aid package.

watching paint dry is more fun than trying to use the ny unemployment website rn 😩

Just wanted to update everyone - the site is working for me now! Was able to log in and certify my weekly claim about 10 minutes ago. Seems like they fixed whatever server issues they were having. For anyone still having trouble, I'd recommend trying again now. If you're still getting errors, definitely try Eva's suggestions above - clearing cache and using incognito mode helped me earlier when it was partially working.

omg yes the phone system is terrible!! I've been hung up on like 10 times trying to ask if I can take a certification course while collecting benefits

For education/training, you generally need prior approval from NYS Department of Labor to maintain eligibility. Don't just start a program without checking first. And remember, even if you're doing everything right, always respond immediately to any correspondence from NYS Department of Labor - ignoring letters or requests for information is the fastest way to get your benefits stopped.

I went through this exact same situation last year! I had about $6,000 left when I got hired and was so worried about "losing" that money. What I learned is that you should definitely take the job if it's a good opportunity - the remaining balance isn't really "your money" sitting in an account, it's just the maximum you're eligible for during that benefit year. The important thing is to properly report your return to work when you start the new job. If things don't work out and you need to file again later, you'll get a fresh calculation based on your most recent work history anyway, which might even be better than your current claim depending on your new wages.

As someone who's been through the unemployment system in NY a couple times, I can confirm what others have said - any unused balance disappears when your benefit year ends. It's frustrating but that's how it works. One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep good records of when your benefit year started so you know exactly when it expires. Also, if you do take that job offer (which you absolutely should!), make sure to properly close out your claim through the online portal to avoid any issues down the road. The key thing to remember is that unemployment is temporary income replacement, not a savings plan. Take the job and don't look back - steady employment is always better than living off unemployment benefits, even if it means leaving money on the table.