THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DOESN'T MATTER WHEN THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! They'll find any excuse to delay or deny your claim regardless of what the statistics say. I've been waiting 6 weeks for adjudication and they keep giving me the runaround.

Just to add some context to the discussion - New York's unemployment rate has actually been trending downward over the past year. While 4.2% is relatively low compared to national averages, it's worth noting that different regions within NY can vary significantly. NYC metro area often has different rates than upstate regions. The NYS DOL does use these statistics for policy decisions and federal funding, but as others mentioned, your individual benefit calculation is based on your personal work history, not the overall rate. If you're concerned about your benefit amount being too low, double-check that all your employers from your base period were reported correctly in your claim.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was terminated last week for attendance issues - mostly due to my public transportation being unreliable during the winter months and a few family emergencies. Reading everyone's experiences gives me confidence to file my claim even though I'm worried about the misconduct aspect. One question I have - for those who successfully appealed or got approved, how important was it to have witnesses or third-party verification of your circumstances? I have some text messages to family members about the train delays and one email to my supervisor about a family emergency, but I'm wondering if that's enough or if I need more formal documentation. Planning to file this week and start gathering everything I can find!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago - fired for chronic lateness due to a combination of childcare issues and car problems. Here's what I wish I had known from the start: even though it feels hopeless, you absolutely should file your claim immediately. NYS Department of Labor will initially look at it as misconduct, but the adjudication process is where you can really make your case. I gathered everything I could think of - repair receipts, text messages about childcare emergencies, even my bank statements showing daycare payments to prove I had legitimate responsibilities. The adjudicator spent about 20 minutes on the phone with me going through each incident, and I was able to explain the circumstances behind every single tardy arrival. What really helped was creating a timeline matching each attendance issue to the specific problem that caused it. Even though I didn't have formal documentation at work, I could show these were real circumstances, not just excuses. My claim was approved after the appeal. Don't give up before you even try - the system is designed to help people who face genuine hardships, not just punish everyone who gets fired.

this whole workers comp system is a JOKE! they make you jump through hoops and then barely give you enough to survive on. meanwhile the insurance companies are making bank off our injuries!

@Amelia Martinez - I know this is a tough situation financially. While you can't collect both benefits simultaneously, you might want to look into other assistance programs that could help bridge the gap. SNAP benefits, local food banks, utility assistance programs, and temporary financial aid from community organizations might be options. Also, check if your workers comp includes vocational rehabilitation services - sometimes they can provide additional support or training while you recover. Don't give up, and make sure you're getting the full workers comp benefits you're entitled to.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add - make sure you keep copies of everything when you file your appeal. I learned the hard way that NYS Department of Labor sometimes "loses" paperwork. Also, if you do get a hearing scheduled, don't be intimidated if your former employer shows up with a lawyer or HR rep. The hearing officer is supposed to be neutral and will listen to both sides. Focus on the facts and stay calm. Good luck with your appeal!

I went through the exact same thing last year and won my appeal! The key is to focus on the fact that attendance issues due to medical reasons are NOT misconduct. Make sure you gather all your medical documentation, doctor's notes, and any communication you had with your employer about your medical situation. The appeal hearing is actually pretty straightforward - it's usually done over the phone and the hearing officer will ask both you and your employer questions. Don't let them intimidate you into thinking it's hopeless. NYS Department of Labor has to prove you WILLFULLY violated company policy, and needing medical care isn't willful misconduct. File that appeal ASAP and don't give up!

ny unemployment system is so broken fr. took me 2 months to figure out partial claims 🤮

Just went through this exact situation! You're right that with 24 hours you'd get 25% of your weekly benefit rate. The $504 rule applies to what you earn during your reduced work week - so if you're making less than $504 gross per week at your current 3-day schedule, you should qualify. I'd recommend applying ASAP and certifying every week even while you're figuring it out. The system takes forever to process so better to get in the queue early. Also keep detailed records of your hours and pay stubs - they'll ask for everything when you file.