Just to clarify the process - when you file your new claim, make sure you report that your hours were reduced rather than saying you quit or were fired. Reduction in hours is good cause for filing and shouldn't trigger any adjudication issues. You'll need to provide your recent pay stubs to verify your earnings for the new base period calculation.

I went through this exact situation last year - had my benefits exhaust, worked part-time for about 6 months, then had my hours cut. Filed a new claim immediately and it went through without any issues. The key is that your new base period will be different from your previous claim, so as long as you worked enough in those qualifying quarters, you're good to go. Don't overthink it - if your hours were reduced significantly, you have every right to file for unemployment benefits again. Just make sure to have all your recent pay stubs ready when you apply online.

Whatever you do don't lie about it! My cousin tried to hide that he was in school and when they found out during an audit he had to pay back thousands in overpayment. NYS Department of Labor takes fraud seriously so just be upfront about everything

I'm actually dealing with something similar right now. From what I've learned, NYS Department of Labor has a specific approval process for training programs while on unemployment called the 599 Training Program. If your community college program is job-related and leads to better employment prospects, you might be able to get it approved. This would protect you from the usual "available for work" requirements during class hours. I'd suggest looking into this option before you start classes - it could give you more security than just hoping your part-time schedule works out. You can find more info on their website under training opportunities for unemployment recipients.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially in this job market. Start looking seriously now even though you just got approved. Better to find something early than scramble at week 25.

Also worth mentioning that if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks and still haven't found work, there might be extended benefits available during high unemployment periods. It's not automatic though - you have to apply separately and it depends on the state's unemployment rate. I'd recommend checking the NYSDOL website or calling them around week 20-22 to see if any extensions are available when you're getting close to your limit.

Wait, can you still file weekly claims while your appeal is pending? I'm confused about this part.

I just went through this same situation a few months ago. Make sure you write a detailed timeline of what happened leading up to your termination - include any performance reviews, emails, or documentation that shows you weren't given proper warnings. Also, if you have coworkers who witnessed the scheduling disagreement or can vouch for your work performance, ask them for written statements. The hearing officer will want to hear both sides, so having witnesses or documentation that contradicts their "misconduct" claim is really important. Good luck with your appeal!

ugh dealing with ny unemployment is like pulling teeth fr

Pro tip: download the NY Labor mobile app if you haven't already. It's way more reliable than the website and you can set push notifications to remind you to certify. Saved my butt multiple times when the main site was down on Sunday!