This is definitely a system error - you should only have one waiting week per benefit year! I had something similar happen to me last year. The key is to keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what they're doing. Document everything like Josef said and don't let them tell you it's normal because it's not. The system has been extra glitchy since they updated it. Hope you get it sorted out quickly!

I work at a benefits advocacy nonprofit and can confirm this is 100% a system error. NY law is clear - only ONE waiting week per benefit year, period. What's happening is the system isn't properly recognizing your previous benefit year when you restart claiming after a break. Here's my advice: when you call (definitely use that claimyr service if you can afford it), ask to speak specifically to a "claims examiner" not just a regular agent. Tell them you need a "waiting week waiver review" for duplicate waiting weeks in the same benefit year. Use those exact words - it'll get you to the right department faster. Also, check if your benefit year actually expired between your claims. If you filed in Sept 2022 and are claiming again in summer 2023, you might technically be in a new benefit year which WOULD require a new waiting week. But based on your timeline it sounds like you're still in the same benefit year so this is definitely their mistake. Keep us updated on how it goes! This has been happening to way too many people lately 😤

I went through this exact situation last year! You definitely qualify since your position was eliminated - that's involuntary job loss, not quitting. Here's what worked for me: I filed immediately and was honest about my availability date (I said I could start work in 6-8 weeks). NYS Department of Labor approved my claim and I was able to collect benefits during that time. For the job search requirement, I did mostly online applications during nap times and counted networking calls with former coworkers. The key is being upfront about when you can realistically start work. Don't wait to file - you can always adjust your availability date later if needed. Good luck and congrats on your daughter!

I'm in a similar boat - just had my baby 3 months ago and was let go during maternity leave. I did file for unemployment and it was approved! The NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty understanding about the childcare situation. When I filed, I was honest that I needed 4-6 weeks to arrange childcare before I could start a new job, and they still approved my claim. For the job search requirements, I mostly did online applications during baby's naps and reached out to my professional network via LinkedIn messages. It's definitely doable - you just have to be strategic about when and how you do your job search activities. My advice is to file sooner rather than later because there can be delays in processing, especially if they need additional documentation about your job loss.

Don't stress too much about the wording. The NYS Department of Labor system is pretty straightforward if you're legitimately eligible. Since you were laid off through no fault of your own, you should be fine. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week and keep looking for work. Missing even one weekly claim can cause delays.

ugh the whole system is such a pain... took me 6 weeks to get my first payment and that was with everything filled out correctly. good luck!

I had this same exact confusion when I first started claiming! That "File A Claim" button being so prominent after you've already certified is super misleading. Like others have said, definitely don't click it - it's just part of the main menu that shows up for everyone regardless of claim status. The key thing is that message saying "You have already claimed benefits for this week" - that's your confirmation everything went through properly. I always feel paranoid about the NY system too because it's so poorly designed, but as long as you see that confirmation message, you're good to go until next week!

I went through this exact same panic last month! That interface is absolutely terrible - I spent like an hour staring at those buttons wondering if I messed something up. The "File A Claim" button being right there after you certify is so confusing. But yeah, if you see "You have already claimed benefits for this week" then you're completely done until next Wednesday. I usually click "View Payment History" just to triple-check that my certification shows up in the system, then I get out of there before I accidentally click something I shouldn't. The NY DOL really needs to hire some actual web designers because this system is a nightmare to navigate!

Been there! My redetermination took about 5 weeks but that was during a busy period. The waiting is the worst part honestly. Just try to stay patient and keep documenting everything in case they need more info later.

I'm going through something similar right now - got my redetermination notice about 2 weeks ago and it's definitely stressful not knowing when it'll be resolved. From what I've researched, the NYS DOL website mentions they aim to complete most redeterminations within 6-8 weeks, but like others have said, it really depends on your specific situation. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up the online account if you haven't already - at least you can see the status updates there even if they're minimal. Hang in there, and definitely keep filing those weekly claims like Omar mentioned!