Just want to add that even if you don't qualify for regular unemployment, you should definitely check if you're eligible for disability benefits through the state. Sometimes people don't realize there are multiple safety nets available. Also document EVERYTHING with your employer about your medical condition and any requests for accommodations you've made.

I work in HR and have dealt with several cases like this. One thing to consider is whether your employer offers short-term disability benefits - this might bridge the gap while you figure out your long-term options. Also, make sure to get detailed medical documentation that specifically states how your job duties are incompatible with your condition. If you do end up having to leave, the way you separate from employment matters a lot for your unemployment claim. Sometimes employers will agree to a medical separation rather than making you quit, which can help your case with NYS Department of Labor. Don't give up hope - there are often more options than people realize.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I ended up using that Claimyr service that someone mentioned, and it worked great. Got a call back with an agent on the line within an hour. The agent confirmed there was a system update that reset my tax withholding preferences. They fixed it right away and said my next payment will have the correct amount without taxes taken out. Unfortunately, I can't get back the taxes they already took out, but at least it's fixed going forward. Thanks everyone for your help!

Glad you got it sorted out! This exact same thing happened to me in January - the system glitch reset my withholding settings too. For anyone else dealing with this, I'd recommend checking your online account settings first before calling. Sometimes you can catch these changes right after they happen and fix them yourself. Also, keep screenshots of your current settings as proof in case it happens again. The NY DOL system seems to have ongoing issues with maintaining user preferences after updates.

basically if u get a w2 it counts, if u get 1099 it doesnt... but there are some exceptions like if u were misclassified as contractor when u should have been employee but thats a whole other mess to deal with

One thing that might help you understand this better is to look at your paystubs from your retail job - you should see a line item for "unemployment tax" or "UI tax" being deducted. That's how you know those wages are covered. For your 1099 work and Etsy sales, you wouldn't see those deductions because you're considered self-employed for those. The key distinction is whether you're an employee (W-2) or independent contractor/self-employed (1099). When you file your claim, NYS DOL will verify your covered wages through employer reports, so just be honest about all your income sources and let them sort out what counts.

anyone get their missing money yet? its been 3 days for me and still nothing

This is such a relief to see it resolved! I was about to panic when I saw my payment was cut in half this week too. I'm glad I found this thread before spending all day trying to call. I'll keep an eye on my account over the next few days for the adjustment payment. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to know we're not alone in dealing with these system glitches!

Just wait it out, the system will update eventually. I wouldn't stress too much about the exact amount until your claim is approved anyway.

Hey Marilyn! I went through this same confusion when I filed my claim a few months ago. The calculation Louisa mentioned is correct, but just to add some context - if you were making $18/hour and worked full-time for those 8 months, your benefit amount will likely be somewhere between $200-300 per week depending on your exact earnings pattern. The "pending" status is normal and should update within 1-2 weeks once they verify your employment history with your restaurant. In the meantime, you can try logging into your NY.gov account periodically to check for updates. The waiting is definitely stressful when you're trying to budget, but hang in there!