@Logan Stewart One thing I wish someone had told me when I first filed - make sure you set up direct deposit right away if possible. Getting paper checks can add delays, especially around holidays. Also, don't panic if your first payment takes a bit longer than expected - there's often some processing time for new claims. Since you mentioned having a mortgage and kids, you might also want to check if you qualify for any other assistance programs while on unemployment. Some utilities companies have payment assistance programs, and there might be local food banks or other resources that can help stretch your benefits further during those 6 months. The key is really to treat job searching like a full-time job from day one - the 26 weeks will be here before you know it.

I'm in a similar boat - just got let go from my job and trying to navigate this whole unemployment system for the first time. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I called the NYS Department of Labor yesterday and the wait time was over 2 hours, but I did eventually get through to speak with someone. They confirmed the 26 weeks (6 months) and helped me understand the weekly certification process. One thing they emphasized was to keep all your job search documentation organized from the start - apparently they do random audits and you need to be able to prove you're actively looking. Also, they mentioned that if you have any part-time or temporary work while collecting benefits, you need to report it immediately or you could face penalties. The whole process is definitely overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job, but at least knowing it's a solid 6 months gives some peace of mind for planning.

def file, you earned it and they expect people to use UI when they get laid off. thats literally what its for

Miguel, you're being way too considerate here! I understand caring about your former employer, but unemployment insurance is literally designed for situations exactly like yours. Think of it this way - your employer has been paying into this system specifically so that if they ever had to lay people off, those workers would have a safety net. It's not charity, it's an earned benefit. The company knew this cost existed when they made the decision to lay you off. File immediately and don't look back - you need to take care of yourself first.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim was also denied for "misconduct" when I was actually part of company-wide layoffs. It's so frustrating when you know the employer gave false information. I've been gathering all my documentation including the WARN notice our company filed and emails about the restructuring. One thing I learned is to also request your personnel file from HR if you haven't already - sometimes there are notes or memos in there that can help prove it was a layoff and not misconduct. The 30-day deadline to appeal is really important so don't wait. I'm still in the process but my lawyer friend told me that wrongful denial cases like ours have pretty good success rates at appeal hearings.

I successfully appealed a similar denial last year. The most important thing is to get a written statement from your former employer confirming the layoffs were due to budget cuts - even if they contested your claim, HR departments often provide truthful documentation when formally requested. I also recommend creating a detailed timeline of events leading up to your termination, including any meetings about company finances or restructuring that you attended. During my hearing, the administrative law judge specifically asked about whether there were performance issues or disciplinary actions prior to termination, so be prepared to explain that this was purely economic. The whole process took about 10 weeks for me but the backpay made it worth the wait. Don't let the initial denial discourage you - the appeals process is much more thorough than the initial review.

any update? did u get thru?

Wow, I'm so glad to see this thread because I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! My claim has been stuck for 3 weeks with a "break in claim" error even though I've certified every single week without fail. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've called hundreds of times and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. It's incredibly frustrating when you're depending on these benefits to survive. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like this is a widespread glitch with their new system. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that several people mentioned - at this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to an actual human being who can fix this mess!

I'm in the exact same situation and it's driving me crazy! Applied in December, now it's March and still showing "pending" with absolutely no updates. I've called probably 30+ times at different hours - 7:59am, lunch time, late afternoon - and never once gotten past that stupid "high call volume" recording. What really gets me is that I know people who applied AFTER me and already got their determinations (both approvals and denials). So it's not like they're processing claims in order - it seems completely random which ones get looked at. I'm starting to think @Carmella Fromis is right about this being intentional. They're probably hoping we'll all just give up and find jobs so they don't have to pay out benefits. But like, I DID find a job! I just want to know if I'm entitled to the benefits for those months I was unemployed. Is that too much to ask?? Definitely going to look into that Claimyr thing people keep mentioning. At this point I don't even care about the cost - my time and mental health are worth more than whatever they charge. This whole system is absolutely broken.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the exact same thing happened to me last year and it's absolutely maddening! I applied in September and didn't hear ANYTHING until February. Five months of just sitting in "pending" status while I'm trying to figure out how to pay rent and buy groceries. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I contacted my state senator's office (not just assembly member) AND used that Claimyr service people keep mentioning. The senator's office actually has a dedicated unemployment liaison who can escalate cases, and they were way more helpful than my assembly member's office. But honestly, the Claimyr thing is what actually got me connected to a live agent who resolved everything in one 15-minute call. I know it sucks having to pay for something that should be free, but I calculated that I was losing way more money every day my claim sat there than what the service cost. Plus I got all my back pay once it was approved, so it was totally worth it. Don't give up - you deserve answers and if you're eligible, you deserve those benefits! The system is broken but there are ways around it. Hang in there! 💪