Just to add - make sure when you're doing your weekly claims you report any freelance or contract work you might pick up while unemployed, even if it's remote. The job search requirements still apply too, you'll need to log your applications and be available for work.

I'm in a similar situation right now - just got laid off from my remote job last week and about to file. This thread is super helpful! One thing I'm wondering about is whether the work location affects anything else like which local job center I'd need to contact if they require in-person meetings? My company was based in NYC but I'm way upstate near Albany. Has anyone dealt with that aspect of remote work and unemployment?

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 2 weeks ago and still no clear status update. One thing that helped me was calling the automated phone system at 888-209-8124 and pressing option 1 then 2 to get claim status info without waiting for an agent. It at least confirmed my claim was received and gave me the effective date. Also check if you have any pending "weekly questions" in your online account - sometimes there are additional eligibility questions you need to answer before processing can continue.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 8 days ago and the waiting is killing me! The automated phone line at 888-209-8124 that Zara mentioned was really helpful. When I called, it told me my claim was received and gave me my effective date, but still shows "pending review." One thing I noticed is that in the "Claim Summary" section of my.ny.gov (under Unemployment Services), there's a small status indicator that says either "Active," "Pending," or "Under Review" - you might need to scroll down to see it. Also, I've been keeping a log of all my weekly certifications just in case there are any issues later. Hang in there - from what everyone is saying, this waiting period seems pretty normal even though it's incredibly stressful when you need the money!

ugh the whole system is so slow!! i had child support taken out but it took like 6 weeks and then they messed up the amount for 2 weeks. just be prepared for delays and mistakes

The automatic deduction is definitely the way to go. Before unemployment, I was always behind on payments and dealing with enforcement. Now it comes out before I even see it, which actually makes budgeting easier even though the unemployment amount is less than my regular salary was.

The key thing is being honest about your work capacity when you file. If you can do some type of work even with restrictions, mention that in your application. Don't try to game the system by claiming you're totally disabled for one program and totally able for another - they do cross-reference these things.

I went through something similar with a back injury from my job at a warehouse. What really helped me was getting a clear letter from my doctor that specified exactly what I could and couldn't do - like "can sit for 4 hours with breaks, no lifting over 10 lbs, no standing for extended periods." With that documentation, I was able to apply for unemployment because even though I couldn't do my regular warehouse job, I could potentially do office work or other seated positions. The NYS Department of Labor representative told me that as long as I was actively seeking work within my restrictions and my employer couldn't accommodate those restrictions, I qualified for benefits while my workers comp case was pending. Just make sure you're completely transparent about your limitations when you file - don't hide your injury but also don't oversell your disability if you can actually work in some capacity.

Yeah the benefit amount is locked in when you first file. I've been on unemployment twice and it never changed mid-claim even when there were minimum wage increases both times.

Just to add another perspective - I was initially disappointed when I realized my benefits wouldn't increase with the new minimum wage, but honestly it makes sense from a legal standpoint. The unemployment insurance system is designed to replace a percentage of wages you actually earned and contributed to the system through payroll taxes. Those contributions were based on your historical wages, not future wage rates. If you start a new claim after working at the higher minimum wage, then your benefits would be calculated using those higher wages in your base period.