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To clarify the main points: 1) You can file for unemployment if you're able/available for work within your restrictions, 2) You must report workers comp income on weekly claims, 3) There will likely be an offset reducing your UI benefit, 4) Still worth filing to protect your claim status. Make sure you have medical documentation of your work capabilities before applying.
I'm going through something similar right now! Just wanted to add that when you call NYS Department of Labor, try calling right when they open at 8 AM - you'll have a much better chance of getting through. Also, keep detailed records of all your medical appointments and work search activities because they may ask for proof later. The offset rules can be confusing but the main thing is establishing your claim early so you don't lose out on benefits when your workers comp situation changes. Good luck with your recovery!
Just wanted to add that sometimes adjudication happens because there's a question about your job separation. Like if your employer contests your claim or if there's any confusion about whether you quit or were fired. NYS Department of Labor has to investigate these situations to make sure benefits go to the right people.
I went through this same process last year and it's definitely nerve-wracking! One thing that helped me was checking the NY Department of Labor website regularly for any updates or requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll ask for documents or clarification and you might miss it if you're not checking. Also, if you were laid off or fired, make sure you have any documentation from your employer (like a termination letter) ready in case they need it. The waiting is the worst part but try to stay patient - most claims do get approved eventually if you're eligible.
This is really helpful advice! I didn't know they might ask for additional documents during the process. I was laid off so I should definitely dig up my termination paperwork just in case. Did you get any notifications when they needed more info from you, or do you have to keep checking the website to see if they posted requests?
This is absolutely ridiculous and I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I went through something similar last year - ended up with 6 interviews over 4 months before I finally got it resolved. The key is finding out WHY your account is flagged. In my case, it was because I had worked some freelance gigs before getting laid off and their system flagged it as "irregular employment pattern." Once I got through to a supervisor who could see the actual flag on my account, they removed it and the interviews stopped. Don't give up - that's exactly what they want you to do. Document everything and keep pushing for answers about why you're being targeted specifically.
6 interviews?! That's absolutely insane. Thank you for sharing what finally worked for you - I had no idea they could flag accounts for "irregular employment pattern." That might be what's happening to me too since I did some contract work between jobs. Definitely going to push harder to find out the specific reason for the flag on my account. It's so messed up that we have to fight this hard just to get benefits we're entitled to.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got scheduled for my 4th interview after they told me the 3rd one would be my last. It's so frustrating because I'm doing everything right - applying to jobs, keeping detailed records, showing up to all their interviews on time. But they keep dragging me through this process while I'm just trying to find work. Reading through these comments makes me realize this is happening to way more people than I thought. It's clearly some kind of systematic issue with their flagging system. I'm definitely going to try calling and asking specifically what flag is on my account and demanding they document why I keep getting selected. This whole system feels designed to wear us down until we just give up claiming benefits we've earned. Thanks for posting this - at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this nonsense!
Ugh, I feel your pain! I'm new to this whole unemployment process but seeing everyone's experiences here is both helpful and terrifying. It sounds like this interview harassment is way more common than it should be. The fact that they're telling people it's their "final interview" and then scheduling MORE interviews is just straight up lying at this point. I'm definitely saving all the advice in this thread about asking for the specific flag reason and documenting everything. It's crazy that we have to become experts in their broken system just to get benefits we paid into. Hope you get it sorted out soon!
Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! The fast approval is definitely a good sign - means your employer reported everything correctly and there weren't any red flags with your claim. You should see your first payment within 2-3 business days after you certify this Sunday. Don't forget about the waiting week though - you won't get paid for your very first week of unemployment, that's just how NY does it. After that first payment hits, the timing becomes pretty predictable. One thing I wish someone told me - download the NY.gov app, it makes certifying way easier than using the website. Also keep all your work search documentation organized from day one, trust me on this! The system really has improved a lot over the past couple years.
Thanks for mentioning the NY.gov app! I had no idea that existed and was dreading having to use the website every week. Just downloaded it and it looks way more user-friendly. Really appreciate the tip about keeping work search docs organized too - seems like that's something a lot of people get tripped up on later. Good to hear the system has actually improved, gives me hope this process won't be as stressful as I was expecting!
Really glad to see a success story here! The NY unemployment system gets a lot of hate (and sometimes rightfully so) but when it works, it works. A few things that might help you moving forward: - Double-check that your direct deposit info is correct in your account settings - even a small typo can delay payments - The weekly certification window opens Sunday at 7:30am and you have until Friday to complete it, but definitely don't wait - If you're looking to get back into restaurants, now's actually a good time with spring hiring starting up - Keep your login credentials somewhere safe - getting locked out of your account is a nightmare to fix The $421 weekly benefit should give you some breathing room to find something good rather than just taking the first thing that comes along. Best of luck with the job search!
Andre Laurent
Just remember you also have to be able and available for work when you file your weekly claims, and you need to do job searches. The work requirement is just to qualify initially but there's ongoing requirements too.
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Emily Sanjay
I went through this exact situation a few months ago! I was working two part-time jobs for about 10 months when one employer suddenly cut my hours to almost nothing. I was worried I wouldn't qualify but it turns out having multiple employers actually helped because my total wages across both jobs put me well over the $2,600 threshold. The key thing is making sure both employers were paying into the unemployment system (most do, but some independent contractor situations don't). When I filed my claim, the system automatically pulled wage information from both jobs. The whole process was way less complicated than I expected once I understood it was about total earnings rather than length of employment at one specific job.
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