keep all your documentation!! job search logs, any correspondence with employers, everything. if they do come after you for overpayment you'll need proof that you followed all the rules

I went through this exact situation about a year ago and can share some insights. Yes, you typically do have to pay back overpayments, but the circumstances matter a lot. In my case, I had to repay about $1,200 because I made an honest mistake reporting my part-time earnings one week. However, NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty reasonable about it - they offered me a payment plan of $75/month and didn't charge any interest or penalties since it wasn't considered fraud. The key is to respond quickly if you get an overpayment notice and be completely honest about what happened. They can usually tell the difference between an innocent mistake and intentional deception. Also, definitely keep doing what you're doing with documentation - that saved me during my appeal process.

I was in this exact situation a few months ago! File your new claim immediately - don't wait. I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I needed to, and it caused unnecessary delays. The key thing to understand is that when your benefit year ends, you need to establish a new claim to continue receiving benefits. Here's what worked for me: I called first thing Monday morning after my benefit year ended. Yes, their phone system is terrible, but persistence pays off. Have all your info ready - SSN, employment history from the past year, and any wages you earned during your benefit year (even small amounts matter). The rep will determine if you qualify for a new regular claim based on wages earned during your previous benefit year. If you don't qualify for a new claim, they'll check if you're eligible for any extension programs that might be available. Don't stress too much about the horror stories - while the system has issues, many people do get their claims processed smoothly. The important thing is to be proactive and call them directly rather than trying to figure it out online. Good luck!

I just went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what I learned: you absolutely can file your new claim right after your benefit year ends - don't wait. I filed online the day after my BYE date and it actually went through smoothly. The key is having realistic expectations about whether you'll qualify for a new claim. If you didn't work much during your benefit year (which is totally understandable given the job market), you probably won't qualify for a new standard claim. BUT that doesn't mean you're out of options. When I called to follow up on my application, the rep explained that even if you don't qualify for a new claim, they can sometimes put you on what's called a "transitional claim" or connect you with job training programs that come with financial assistance. My advice: file online first thing Monday morning, but also call them that same day to speak with someone. The online system often glitches during these transitions, and having a human walk you through it makes all the difference. Yes, getting through by phone is awful, but it's worth the wait to avoid weeks of uncertainty. Don't let the system intimidate you - you've been paying into unemployment insurance and you deserve these benefits if you're eligible. Stay persistent!

Same thing happened to me - filed the day after my layoff and had benefits within two weeks. Just make sure you have all your employment dates and salary info ready when you apply.

Just to add some clarity - you definitely want to file immediately with NYS DOL. I made the mistake of waiting "until everything was sorted out" with my employer and lost almost 3 weeks of potential benefits. The application itself is pretty straightforward on their website, you'll just need your last employer's info, your SSN, and details about your work history. One tip: if you're having trouble with the website during peak hours, try filing early morning or late evening when traffic is lighter. Good luck!

Don't give up hope! I work with unemployment cases and have seen NYS DOL approve backdating for much longer periods when there's documented employer misinformation. The fact that you have that text message is gold - it shows you relied on incorrect advice from your employer in good faith. When you file, make sure to upload that screenshot and be very clear in your explanation that you were specifically told by your boss that you wouldn't qualify. NYS DOL takes employer misinformation seriously because it prevents eligible workers from accessing benefits they're entitled to. File today if possible - every day you wait makes it harder to justify the delay. Good luck!

I went through something similar earlier this year! Was laid off in April but my supervisor convinced me I wouldn't qualify since I'd only been there 8 months. Turns out that was completely wrong - you only need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages in your base period, which for most people is much less than a year. I finally filed in July and got approved for backdating all the way to my layoff date. The key was being upfront about the misinformation and providing proof. That text from your boss is perfect evidence - definitely include it when you file. NYS DOL seems to understand that employers often give bad advice (intentionally or not) and they don't penalize workers for relying on it. File ASAP though - the longer you wait now, the harder it gets to justify!

Congrats on getting that resolved and getting your extra $504! This thread has been super helpful - I'm definitely going to check my old account now to see if there's anything pending. It's crazy how many people this system audit has affected. Really glad you used that Claimyr service too since it sounds like getting through to NYSDOL directly is nearly impossible these days.

This is such a relief to read! I was getting really anxious about whether to activate mine or not. The fact that so many people are experiencing this and it's turning out to be legitimate backpay makes me feel much better. I got a similar KeyBank card last Friday with no explanation and have been paranoid about scams. Going to check my payment history and determinations section right now. Thanks for updating us with your resolution - knowing it was worth $504 definitely motivates me to investigate mine further!