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Just want to add that you should file online through the my.ny.gov portal rather than trying to call. The online system is much faster for initial applications. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. Make sure you have your last employer's exact business name and address when you file.
One thing to keep in mind - even though you can apply for unemployment after being fired during probation, your benefit amount might be lower since it's calculated based on your earnings history. With only 6 weeks of work at this job, they'll look at your previous employment over the past 15 months to determine your weekly benefit amount. Also, make sure to document everything about your termination (any emails, the exact reason they gave you, etc.) in case your former employer contests your claim.
That's a really good point about documenting everything! I didn't think about them potentially contesting it. I do have the email where my supervisor said it was about not picking up procedures fast enough, so I'll definitely keep that. Should I also write down exactly what happened during the termination meeting while it's still fresh in my memory?
Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week and report all earnings honestly. Missing even one weekly claim can mess up your whole benefit year and you might not be able to make it up later.
Another tip - if you had any salary increases or bonuses during your base period, make sure those are reflected correctly in your wage history. Sometimes employers don't report quarterly wages accurately to NYS Department of Labor right away. You can check your wage history online through the NY.gov unemployment portal to verify everything looks correct. If there are discrepancies, you can request a wage investigation which might increase your benefit calculation if higher wages weren't initially included.
Just went through this exact same situation last month! You definitely qualify - I worked Feb through June and got approved no problem. The key thing is making sure you have all your documentation ready when you apply. Also heads up, the online system can be glitchy so if it gives you trouble don't panic, just try again later or early morning when there's less traffic. Good luck! 🍀
Just want to add - don't stress too much about the application process! I was in a similar spot last year (worked March-July) and was worried about the same thing. The NY DOL website has a really helpful eligibility tool that walks you through it step by step. Since you made good money those 5 months, you should definitely qualify. One thing I wish I knew earlier - make sure to apply ASAP since there's usually a waiting week before benefits kick in. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the better! 💪
yeah my cousin went through this too and she won. just make sure you show up to the hearing and tell your side of the story clearly
I work in HR and see these appeals regularly. Based on what I've observed, employers win maybe 40-50% of appeals, but it heavily depends on documentation. The strongest employer cases involve clear policy violations with written warnings, attendance records, or safety issues. Weaker cases are subjective performance issues or when employers can't produce proper documentation. NYS DOL tends to give workers the benefit of the doubt when evidence is unclear. Keep all your employment records, emails, and any communications about your termination. If they're claiming misconduct but never documented warnings or gave you a chance to correct issues, that significantly weakens their case.
This is really helpful insight from the HR perspective! The 40-50% win rate for employers makes me feel a bit better about my chances. Since you mentioned documentation being key - what if the employer is making claims about my performance that aren't backed up by any formal reviews or write-ups? They're saying I didn't follow procedures, but I never received any training materials or written policies about these specific procedures they're referencing.
Hunter Hampton
Congrats on getting your EB approved! This is such a helpful thread for anyone going through this transition. I'm currently on week 22 of my regular benefits and was already stressing about what happens next. Reading everyone's experiences here really puts my mind at ease. The key takeaway seems crystal clear: never stop certifying weekly, even if you see $0 payments temporarily. It's reassuring to know the system does work, even if it takes a couple weeks to process. Thanks for sharing your update - it gives hope to those of us approaching the 26-week mark!
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Zainab Ibrahim
•So glad this thread was helpful for you! I was honestly terrified when I hit 26 weeks, but the community here really came through with solid advice. The $0 payments thing would have definitely freaked me out if Keisha hadn't warned about it. Just keep doing what you're doing with your weekly certifications and you should be fine when you get there. The waiting is nerve-wracking but it really does work out if you stay consistent. Good luck!
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Diego Vargas
This thread is incredibly valuable! I'm currently on week 15 of my regular benefits but already bookmarking this for future reference. The consensus is so clear - keep certifying no matter what. I had no idea about the $0 payment thing during the transition period, that would have definitely sent me into panic mode. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences, especially the success stories. It's so much better than trying to decipher the confusing official website. Question for those who went through this - did your EB weekly amount stay the same as your regular UI amount, or did it change at all?
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GalaxyGlider
•Great question about the EB amount! In my experience, the EB weekly benefit amount was exactly the same as my regular UI amount - no change at all. The calculation is based on the same weekly benefit rate you were already receiving. So if you were getting $300/week during regular UI, you'll continue getting $300/week during EB (assuming you remain eligible). The only difference is that EB typically provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits beyond your original 26 weeks, but at the same rate. Hope that helps ease your mind as you plan ahead!
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