Just want to add - make sure you file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being reviewed! A lot of people don't realize you have to keep certifying every week or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.

I went through something similar when I got fired for supposedly having a "bad attitude" but really it was because I questioned unsafe working conditions. The key thing is to file your claim immediately - don't wait! When you file online, be honest about being terminated but explain your side in the comments section. NYS Department of Labor will contact both you and your employer to get the full story. Keep all your documentation (doctor notes, texts about car trouble, etc.) handy because they might ask for it during the investigation. Even if you get initially denied, you can always appeal. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but you won't know unless you try!

Being fired for attendance doesn't automatically disqualify you but it does make things more complicated. During the adjudication process, NYS Department of Labor will contact both you and your employer to get the full story. Your former employer will probably argue it was misconduct, so you need to be prepared to explain your side clearly. Document everything and be ready to provide medical records if health was a factor.

I'm new to this whole unemployment process but wanted to share what I learned from a friend who works in HR. She told me that NYS Department of Labor looks at whether your attendance issues were "willful" or due to circumstances beyond your control. If you have medical documentation showing you were genuinely ill, that's definitely not willful misconduct. Also, make sure to file your claim as soon as possible - there are time limits and you don't want to miss out on benefits you might be entitled to. The adjudication process can take a few weeks, but it's worth going through if you have legitimate reasons for your absences.

You should still file the claim anyway! Sometimes the reasonable assurance determination isn't clear-cut, especially for subs. Let NYS Department of Labor make the official decision rather than assuming you're disqualified.

I'm a substitute teacher too and went through this exact situation last summer. The reasonable assurance rule is confusing, but here's what I learned: even if you worked regularly at the same schools, as a substitute you're not technically guaranteed work in the fall the same way regular teachers are. The district has to provide you with a written reasonable assurance letter that specifically states you'll have work available. Without that letter, you might still be eligible for benefits. I'd recommend filing anyway and letting them make the determination - worst case they deny it, but you might be surprised. Also document everything about your work patterns and save any communication from the district about future availability.

just apply anyway, even if its not a ton of money its better than nothing and you paid into the system through your payroll taxes so you earned it

I went through this same situation last year when I got laid off from my retail job. With your $18/hour wage, you should definitely apply - I was making similar and ended up getting around $380 per week. The application process can be frustrating but it's worth it. Make sure you have all your recent pay stubs ready and apply as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period. Also start your job search right away since you have to show you're actively looking for work to keep getting benefits. The money definitely helped me cover rent and groceries while I found something new.

Also worth mentioning - if your benefit amount seems really low compared to your previous wages, double check that NYS Department of Labor calculated your benefit correctly. Sometimes they don't include all your qualifying wages from the base period. You can request a wage transcript to verify what earnings they used in the calculation.

You might also want to look into other assistance programs while you're working on the unemployment side. SNAP benefits, emergency rental assistance, and utility help programs can bridge the gap when your UI benefits aren't covering everything. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local resources. Also check if your county has any emergency assistance programs - some offer one-time help with rent or utilities. It won't increase your unemployment amount but it can help with the immediate financial pressure you're facing.