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@Zoe Christodoulou I went through this process last year and it's definitely worth pursuing! The key thing to understand is that there are different types of training benefits. Section 599 is the most common - it allows you to attend approved full-time training while continuing to collect unemployment without having to do job searches. However, it doesn't cover tuition costs. If you're laid off due to trade/globalization reasons, you might qualify for TAA which can actually help pay for training. I'd recommend calling the NYS Department of Labor training unit directly (though be prepared for long hold times) or visiting your local career center where they can walk you through the application process in person. Make sure to have your training program information ready before you apply.
@Dmitry Popov Thanks for the detailed breakdown! This is exactly what I was looking for. I m'curious about the career center option you mentioned - is that usually faster than trying to get through on the phone? I ve'been hesitant to go in person but if they can actually walk me through the application that might be worth it. Also, do you know if there s'a specific time limit on when you have to apply for Section 599 approval after starting your unemployment claim?
I actually just went through the Section 599 approval process a few months ago for a cybersecurity bootcamp. The career center route is definitely faster than calling - I was able to sit down with a counselor who helped me fill out Form TE-549 correctly and explained exactly what documentation I needed. They also verified that my program was on the ETPL list right there in the office. As for timing, you can apply for Section 599 approval at any point during your unemployment claim, but you MUST get approval before starting classes. I applied about 6 weeks into my claim and it worked fine. Just remember that Section 599 only waives job search requirements - you still need to be physically able to work and available for work outside of class hours. If you're doing a full-time intensive program, make sure to discuss this with your counselor to avoid any issues with your claim.
@Cass Green This is really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through it! I was worried about the timing since I m'already a few weeks into my claim. Quick question - when you say you need to be available "for work outside of class hours, does" that mean if the bootcamp had evening classes, you d'still need to be available for day shifts? I m'looking at a program that runs Monday-Friday 9-5, so I m'wondering if that would create availability issues with NYS Department of Labor.
I'm going through something similar - my claim has been pending since November and I can't get any real answers either. From what I've researched, there have been some class action suits filed against NYS DOL in the past few years, but they're hard to find info about. Try searching for "unemployment class action New York" on legal websites or contact the New York State Bar Association's lawyer referral service. They might be able to point you toward attorneys who are actively working on these cases. Also document everything - dates you called, screenshots of your online account, any correspondence. That paper trail will be crucial whether you go the legal route or keep fighting through appeals.
Thanks for the detailed info! I've been documenting everything but didn't think to check the NY State Bar Association's referral service - that's a great suggestion. Do you know if there are any specific law firms that specialize in unemployment cases or have experience with DOL class actions? It's so frustrating that we have to become legal researchers just to get the benefits we're entitled to.
I'm dealing with a very similar situation - my claim has been stuck since December with zero communication from NYS DOL. From what I've found, there are a few law firms that have handled unemployment class actions against NYS DOL, including Legal Aid Society and some private employment attorneys. You might want to check out the website for New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) - they sometimes take on systemic unemployment cases. Also, try reaching out to your state assembly member's office - sometimes they can help cut through the bureaucratic mess when individual appeals aren't working. The whole system seems designed to wear people down until they give up, which is exactly what we can't let happen. Keep fighting and definitely keep documenting everything like others have suggested.
This is really helpful information! I've been stuck in the same nightmare since January and had no idea about NYLAG or that assembly members could help with DOL issues. It's crazy that we have to become experts in legal resources and government contacts just to access basic unemployment benefits. Has anyone had actual success getting their assembly member's office to intervene? I'm willing to try anything at this point - the stress of not knowing what's wrong with my claim or when it might be resolved is honestly affecting my health at this point.
If ur benefits are about to expire, they might be doing an "end of benefits review" on ur account. happened to me last time. they basically verify everything one last time. super annoying but they don't tell u about it
I'm going through the exact same thing! Claimed Sunday as usual, and it's now Thursday with absolutely nothing. This is so stressful because I have rent due this weekend. I've been calling nonstop but can't get through to anyone. The worst part is there's no explanation anywhere - no messages, no alerts, nothing. It's like our claims just vanished. I'm really hoping this gets resolved soon because I can't afford to miss this payment. Has anyone found any official communication from NYSDOL about what's causing these delays?
Ugh, I feel your pain! I've been stuck in review hell since September - going on 5 months now too. The whole system is absolutely broken. What's helped me stay (somewhat) sane is keeping a spreadsheet of every single call attempt, message sent, and interaction. I also started calling my assemblyperson's office last week after seeing similar advice here. Haven't heard back yet but fingers crossed! In the meantime, I've been doing gig work just to keep the lights on. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're already stressed about money. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this nightmare!
Wow, 5 months too?! This is insane. I'm definitely going to start keeping a spreadsheet like you suggested - that's actually really smart for tracking everything. How did you find your assemblyperson's contact info? Did you just Google it or is there a specific way to reach out to them about unemployment issues? Also curious what kind of gig work you've been doing to get by - I'm running low on options here and might need to look into that too. Thanks for the solidarity, it really does help knowing I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!
Wow, reading through all these comments is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time. I'm dealing with something similar - filed my claim in early September and it's been "under review" ever since. Like you, I've called probably 25+ times with no luck, sent multiple messages through their portal, and even tried reaching out on social media. Nothing. The claimyr.com suggestion keeps coming up and I'm honestly getting desperate enough to try it. Has anyone here actually used it recently? I'm a bit worried about giving my info to a third party but if it actually works... Also definitely going to try contacting my state rep after seeing how many people had success with that approach. At this point I'll try anything. The financial stress is unreal - I've burned through my savings and am now behind on rent. How is it legal for them to just ignore people for months like this? Hang in there OP, sounds like we're all in this together unfortunately 😔
Oliver Schmidt
I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and here's what I've learned about the timing: The KeyBank card deposits are pretty consistent but there's always that nerve-wracking 24-48 hour window after the release date. In my experience, if your payment was released yesterday (Tuesday), you should definitely see it by Thursday morning at the latest. The first payment can sometimes take an extra day or two compared to regular weekly payments. I'd recommend checking the KeyBank app first thing tomorrow morning around 6-7am - that's when mine usually posts. If it's not there by Thursday afternoon, then I'd start making calls. Good luck with the rent situation, I know how stressful that waiting period can be! 🤞
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Gael Robinson
I've been dealing with the same KeyBank timing issues for months now. Based on my experience, if your payment was released yesterday, you should see it hit your card by tomorrow morning (Wednesday). The timing is usually pretty consistent - 1-2 business days after the release date. My payments typically show up around 6-8am when they do post. Since this is your first payment, it might take an extra day compared to regular weekly payments, but I wouldn't panic unless it's not there by Thursday. The KeyBank automated phone line (866-295-2955) can sometimes show pending deposits before they appear in your account balance, so try calling that if you want to check. Hang in there - the waiting is the worst part but the money will come through!
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