wait i thought you had to be unemployed for like 2 weeks before filing?? this is confusing lol

One more tip - when you file online, make sure to keep screenshots or print out your confirmation page with your claim number. The NYS DOL system sometimes has issues and having that proof can be really helpful if there are any problems later. Also, set up direct deposit right away if possible - it's much faster than waiting for paper checks in the mail. The whole process can feel overwhelming but once you get your first payment it gets much easier to manage.

I'm new to filing unemployment claims and this recall date question has been stressing me out too! Reading through everyone's responses is so helpful - it seems like the consensus is that if your employer didn't give you a specific return date when they laid you off, then leaving it blank is the right approach. I was laid off from my restaurant job in January and my manager just said "we're closing this location indefinitely" with no mention of any recall date. Based on what everyone is sharing here, I feel much more confident about leaving that field blank on my weekly certifications. It's such a relief to find this community where people share their actual experiences with the NYS Department of Labor system!

I went through this same confusion when I was first filing! The recall date field really threw me off too. What I learned is that if your employer didn't give you a specific date when they expect to call you back, then you simply don't have a recall date to enter. Since your employer laid you off in December without mentioning any specific return date, leaving it blank is absolutely the correct approach. I was worried about the same thing - making a mistake that would mess up my benefits - but the NYS Department of Labor system is designed to handle these situations where there genuinely is no recall date. You're being honest about your actual circumstances, which is exactly what they want. I've been filing weekly certifications for several months now with that field blank (similar permanent layoff situation) and have never had any issues with my claims.

Wait, I thought if you had a recall date you couldn't collect unemployment at all? Now I'm wondering if I missed out on benefits when this happened to me six months ago...

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The recall date basically means you're on "temporary layoff" status. You absolutely CAN and SHOULD collect unemployment benefits during this time. Keep filing your weekly claims and make sure to report the recall date when asked. The key thing is that your work search requirements are usually reduced - instead of applying to multiple jobs per week, you mainly just need to stay available and ready to return when called. But definitely keep track of any changes to that recall date because if it gets pushed back or cancelled, you'll need to report it immediately. Don't let the confusing website language scare you - you're entitled to these benefits!

Have you tried talking to your manager or HR about this issue in writing? Before you quit, I'd recommend sending an email documenting your original availability agreement and requesting accommodation for your school schedule. This creates a paper trail that shows you tried to resolve the issue before leaving. If they refuse or ignore your request, that strengthens your case for "good cause" if you do end up quitting. Also, check if your employee handbook mentions anything about scheduling accommodations - sometimes there are policies they're supposed to follow that they're not honoring.

I went through something similar when I was in college. My employer kept ignoring my class schedule even though I gave it to them at the start of each semester. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every time they scheduled me during class hours, every conversation I had with my manager about it, and took screenshots of my schedule vs my class times. I also sent a formal email to HR explaining the situation and requesting they honor my original availability agreement. When they didn't respond, I quit and filed for unemployment. It took about 6 weeks for adjudication, but I was approved because I could prove I tried to resolve it and that the schedule conflicts made it impossible to keep the job. The key is having documentation that shows you made good faith efforts to work with them first.

ugh this is exactly what im worried about too... my benefits end next month and i still havent found anything decent. the job market is terrible right now

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending soon too. From what I've researched, New York's Extended Benefits program is tied to specific unemployment rate triggers that have to be met at the state level. The program can provide up to 13 additional weeks, but only when the state's unemployment rate is significantly higher than it was in previous years. I'd recommend calling NYS DOL directly or checking their website for current trigger status, since this changes based on monthly employment data. Even if extensions aren't available right now, they could become available if economic conditions change.