Just want to add that even if you technically qualify based on wages, you still need to meet the other requirements like being able and available for work and actively looking for a job. But sounds like your work history should be fine for the wage requirement part.

I went through this same confusion when I got laid off from my construction job after 10 months. What helped me understand it was that NY uses something called the "alternate base period" if you don't qualify under the standard one. So even if your recent work doesn't add up to enough, they might look at a different time frame that includes more of your work history. The important thing is to just file your claim - they'll do all the calculations for you and let you know if you qualify. Worst case, you find out you don't qualify, but at least you'll know for sure instead of wondering.

Don't stress too much about it. The system is designed to help people who've been working and paying into unemployment insurance. With your work history, you should be fine. Just make sure you file as soon as possible because there's usually a waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim.

Just to add some clarity on what Charlotte mentioned - yes, you definitely need to list both employers when you apply. The NYS DOL will actually send wage verification forms to all your employers from the base period to confirm your earnings. Also, Lucas is right about the quarters requirement - you need to have worked in at least 2 different calendar quarters during your base period, which you clearly have with your employment history. The good news is that even if you don't qualify under the regular base period, NYS has an "alternate base period" that uses more recent quarters, so your 4 months at the recent job would definitely count there. I'd recommend applying online through the NY.gov website rather than trying to call - the online system is much faster and you can track your claim status easily.

Been a permanent resident for 12 years and never had any issues with unemployment claims. The system treats you exactly the same as citizens once you're legally authorized to work. Just file online and don't overthink it.

As a green card holder myself, I can confirm that you're absolutely eligible for unemployment benefits in New York! I successfully filed my claim through the NY.gov website about 6 months ago after being laid off from my job in Manhattan. The application process was straightforward - they'll ask for your SSN, work history, and reason for separation, but there's no separate immigration status verification. Just make sure you have your employment records handy and can demonstrate you were working legally (which you clearly were). Don't let fear stop you from claiming benefits you've rightfully earned through your payroll contributions!

I'm also new to NY unemployment and experiencing my first payment delay - certified last Sunday and still waiting. This thread has been incredibly informative! I had no idea these system update delays were so common. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like keeping a 5-7 day buffer for future "system updates" would be wise. Really appreciate everyone sharing their updates and resources like the Claimyr service and Twitter monitoring tips. Hopefully my payment comes through soon like others have reported this weekend. Thanks for creating such a supportive community where we can actually get real information about what's happening!

Just wanted to jump in as another newcomer who's been following this thread closely! I'm also dealing with my first payment delay after certifying Sunday - usually get paid Tuesday but still waiting. This whole discussion has been such a lifesaver for understanding what's actually happening. I had no idea these system update delays were a regular occurrence with NYSDOL. Really grateful for everyone sharing their experiences and tips, especially about following their Twitter and keeping an emergency buffer for future updates. It's frustrating that we have to rely on community knowledge rather than clear official communication, but at least we have this supportive group to figure things out together!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to reach DOL for over 2 weeks about my pending claim and it's like they don't exist. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to skip the governor's office entirely and go straight to my state senator and assembly member tomorrow. One thing I wanted to add - if you're documenting your calls like Isabella suggested, also screenshot any error messages you get on the DOL website. I've been getting weird timeout errors when trying to certify online, and having those screenshots helped when I finally got through to someone briefly last week (before getting disconnected of course). This whole system is such a mess but at least this thread gives me hope that there are actual ways to get help. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying about contacting your state representatives - this is absolutely the way to go! I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and was pulling my hair out trying to get through to DOL for over a month. Like others mentioned, the governor's office is pretty much useless for individual cases. But when I contacted my assembly member's office, they had someone specifically trained to handle unemployment issues and they got DOL to call me back within 48 hours. My claim was resolved that same week after being stuck in limbo for 2 months. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you call your representative's office, ask specifically for their "constituent services" department and mention it's an urgent unemployment matter. They usually prioritize these cases because they know how broken the DOL phone system is right now. Also, don't feel bad about being persistent with follow-ups. These offices expect it for unemployment cases and they'd rather help you get it resolved than have you calling every day. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease in this situation. Hang in there - you WILL get through this!