I went through this same confusion when I first filed! Here's what helped me keep it straight: Your claimant ID is like your permanent account number with NYS DOL - it stays the same even if you file multiple claims over the years. Your claim number is specific to this current unemployment claim and usually starts with letters like "NY" followed by numbers. When you log into my.ny.gov to file weekly claims, you don't need to enter either number - the system recognizes you from your login. But keep your claim number handy for phone calls or any correspondence. I printed out my monetary determination and highlighted the claim number at the top so I'd always know where to find it when needed.

I had this exact same issue when I first filed! What really helped me was creating a simple cheat sheet with all my numbers. I wrote down: 1) My claimant ID (permanent account number), 2) My claim number (starts with letters like NY), and 3) My confirmation number from filing. I keep this taped to my computer so when I need to reference any of them during calls or paperwork, I'm not scrambling through emails. The claim number is definitely your main "unemployment number" that you'll reference most often. Don't worry - once you use the system a few times, it becomes second nature!

Just wanted to share my experience - I had the same issue last week and finally got through! Here's what worked for me: 1. Filed at 3am on Wednesday - way less traffic on the system 2. Used Firefox browser in private/incognito mode 3. Had all my info ready beforehand so I could move through quickly For the phone, I found calling right at 8am when they open gives you the best shot. Still took like 200+ tries but eventually got through. Also make sure you're saving screenshots of any error messages you get - if you miss your filing deadline because of their technical issues, that documentation will help when you talk to a rep. Hang in there, the system is garbage but you'll get through eventually! 💪

Had the exact same issue yesterday! What finally worked for me was switching to a different browser (Edge) and clearing all my cookies first. Also discovered that if you get an error, don't keep refreshing - wait like 10 minutes before trying again or it locks you out for even longer. The phone lines are absolutely brutal right now, I think everyone's having website problems so they're all calling. If you do get through on the phone, ask them to note in your file that you tried to certify online but couldn't due to technical issues - covers you in case there are any late filing penalties later.

I went through a similar situation when I was let go during a company restructuring. NYS Department of Labor considers several scenarios beyond just layoffs - including reduction in hours like your sister's case. From my experience, going from full-time to 8 hours weekly definitely qualifies as partial unemployment. The key things that helped my claim were: 1) Having documentation that the hour reduction was employer-initiated, not my choice, 2) Showing I was actively seeking additional work to make up the lost income, and 3) Being completely honest on all forms about my situation. I'd recommend your sister file as soon as possible since there can be a waiting period, and she should gather any written communication about the schedule change. The online application walks you through everything step by step.

I had a similar experience when my retail job reduced my hours from 35 to 10 per week last year. NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty reasonable about it - they approved my partial benefits claim within about 2-3 weeks. The key things I learned: make sure your sister applies online through the official NY.gov website as soon as possible since benefits can be backdated to when you first became eligible, not when you finally apply. Also, she'll need to certify weekly that she's still working those reduced hours and actively looking for additional work. One thing that surprised me was that even with partial benefits, I still had to do the work search requirement - so she should start documenting her job search efforts right away. The combination of her remaining wages plus partial unemployment should help bridge the gap while she looks for something more stable.

Just to add - if you do decide to quit, make sure you exhaust all internal remedies first. NYS Department of Labor will want to see that you tried to resolve the issues through proper channels before leaving. Document your attempts to address the problems with management, HR, or union representatives if applicable. Also, if you have any medical documentation related to workplace injuries or stress, keep copies of everything. The appeals process can take time but many people do win these cases when they have proper documentation.

I actually had a similar experience with unsafe working conditions at my previous job. One thing that really helped my case was taking photos of the safety hazards when possible - like the heavy boxes without proper lifting equipment you mentioned. I also kept a detailed diary of every incident, including dates and any witnesses present. When I finally did quit and applied for unemployment, I made sure to explicitly state in my application that I left due to "unsafe working conditions" rather than just saying I quit voluntarily. The initial review can take several weeks, but don't get discouraged if they deny you at first - many of these cases get approved on appeal when you have good documentation. Also, consider filing a complaint with OSHA about the safety issues regardless of your unemployment claim, as that creates an official record that can support your case.

The whole system is confusing as hell. Why can't they just make it simple - you lose your job, you apply, you get benefits. Instead we have to figure out reopening vs new claims, benefit years, wage reporting... it's like they WANT to make it complicated so people give up

Just wanted to add that when you reopen your claim, make sure you have all your employment documentation from that November job ready - pay stubs, W-2, termination letter, etc. NYS Department of Labor may ask for verification of your work history and earnings. Also, if your November job was in a different industry or paid significantly more/less than your original job, it could affect your weekly benefit calculation. The system will use wages from your highest earning quarter during the base period, so depending on when you worked that November job, it might actually increase your benefits. Good luck with the reopening process!