Hey Roger! I totally get the anxiety about this - I was in the exact same situation a few months ago and was convinced I was going to mess something up. But honestly, it turned out to be much simpler than I expected. Here's what I learned: call right when they open (8am is the magic hour), have your claim number and exact travel dates ready, and just be honest about everything. They asked me if I'd still be available for interviews (I said yes, via phone/video) and if I'd continue my job search while away. The whole conversation was maybe 5 minutes once I got through. The agent was actually really nice and said travel notifications are super common. One important thing - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims online while you're gone! That part tripped me up initially. You've got this, and I hope you have an amazing trip! 🌍

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The key is definitely calling right when they open at 8am - I got through in about 15 minutes versus the usual hours-long wait. The representative was actually super understanding and just needed my travel dates and confirmation that I'd still be available for work opportunities via phone/video. They made a note in my file and that was it - no forms, no documentation needed. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims online while you're away (you can do it from anywhere with internet). The whole process was way less scary than I built it up to be in my head. You're doing the right thing by notifying them beforehand - have a safe trip! 🛫

Just wanted to update - checked my account this morning and my payment went through! The level 3 thing was actually good news. Thanks everyone for the explanations, really helped calm my nerves.

I'm new here but wanted to share my recent experience with level 3. I had the same status show up last month and panicked because I couldn't find clear info anywhere online. Turns out @Yuki Sato is right - it means a senior adjudicator reviewed and closed your issue. Mine took about 5 business days after showing "issue closed level 3" before payments resumed, and I got all my back pay in one lump sum. The waiting is nerve-wracking but it's actually progress! Definitely check your correspondence inbox on my.ny.gov for any determination letters.

I'm in a similar situation right now - my claim has been in adjudication for about 5 weeks and I keep checking for any status updates. Reading through these responses is really helpful! It sounds like "issue closed level 2" is actually a good sign that the process is moving forward. I've been so worried that no news meant bad news, but it seems like the NYS DOL system just takes forever to update. Has anyone here had experience with how quickly the online account reflects payment information once a claim is approved? I'm trying to manage my expectations for timing.

I just wanted to add some reassurance here - I went through this exact same thing about 8 months ago and "issue closed level 2" was actually the last step before my approval came through! The level 2 review is typically done by a senior adjudicator who signs off on the decision, so it's actually a really good sign that your case has progressed to that point. In my case, I saw that status on a Thursday and had my determination letter (approval) in my online account by the following Tuesday. My first payment hit my direct deposit account about 4 days after that. The backpay for all those weeks of waiting was included too. I know the waiting is absolutely brutal when you're dealing with bills and stress, but this status update is definitely movement in the right direction. Keep filing those weekly claims and hang in there!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I understand now that this isn't a separate payment but rather an exemption when I file my taxes. I'll make sure to update my address with NYSDOL so I get my 1099-G and will double-check everything when I file. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain!

Just wanted to add one more helpful tip for everyone - when you do file your taxes, make sure your tax software or preparer is up to date with the unemployment compensation exclusion rules. Some older versions of tax software might not automatically apply the exemption, so you'd want to double-check that it's being calculated correctly. Also, if you use a tax preparer, specifically mention that you received unemployment benefits under the $10,500 threshold so they don't miss applying the exclusion. Better to be safe than sorry!

I'm also dealing with this right now - exhausted my benefits in February and still searching for work. One resource that's been helpful is contacting local food banks and community organizations. Many have job placement programs or know about employers who are actively hiring. The Workforce Development office in my area also offers free resume reviews and interview prep, which helped me feel more confident in my applications. It's tough being in this gap between benefits ending and finding new work, but definitely explore all the assistance programs people have mentioned here. Also, some utility companies have hardship programs that can help reduce bills during unemployment - worth calling to ask about payment plans or reduced rates.

I'm in a similar position - just exhausted my benefits two weeks ago and still actively job searching. One thing I discovered that might help you is checking with your local One-Stop Career Center (part of the American Job Centers network). They not only have job placement services but also offer training programs that sometimes include living allowances or stipends while you're learning new skills. I'm currently enrolled in a certification program for medical coding that provides a small weekly stipend - it's not much but it helps bridge the gap. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit when you file your taxes, especially if you had any work income during the year. The refund can be substantial and might help cover some expenses while you're between benefits. The whole situation is incredibly stressful, but there are more resources out there than I initially realized.