Also make sure you're still doing your job search requirements even though benefits exhausted. I think you have to keep certifying that you're looking for work in case you do qualify for a new claim period. Don't want to mess up any future eligibility.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add that you should also check if there are any state or local assistance programs available while you're figuring out the unemployment situation. Many counties in NY have emergency rental assistance programs that can help with rent if you're facing eviction. Also, make sure to apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already - the income limits are higher now and it can help stretch your budget while you're looking for work. The process for a new unemployment claim can take a few weeks even if you do qualify, so having other support in place is crucial. Hang in there, this system is really tough to navigate but there are other resources out there.

Getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone is nearly impossible right now. I've been trying for weeks to get clarification on my own partial benefits situation. If you need to speak to someone urgently, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually gets you connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

just file online its not that complicated, i did mine in like 10 minutes and got approved

Just to add - make sure you have all your employment history ready when you file. You'll need dates, wages, and reason for separation for your most recent employers. Having everything organized beforehand makes the application process much smoother.

One thing to keep in mind - when you file your initial claim, you'll also need to register for work search requirements. Even though you're receiving severance, NYS Department of Labor typically requires you to be actively looking for work to maintain eligibility. Make sure you understand what counts as valid work search activities and keep records of your job search efforts from day one. The requirements can be pretty strict, so it's better to start documenting your search activities right away rather than scrambling later when your severance ends.

The whole NYS Department of Labor system is designed to pay out as little as possible while making you jump through endless hoops. Don't expect to get anywhere near what you actually need to survive. And God forbid you make a mistake on your weekly claim - they'll hit you with an overpayment notice faster than you can blink.

I went through this exact calculation process when I filed last year. Based on your $420/week earnings, you'd likely qualify for around $210-240 per week depending on your highest earning quarter. One thing to keep in mind is that NYS Department of Labor also looks at your total base period earnings to determine how many weeks of benefits you can receive (usually up to 26 weeks). The online benefit calculator on their website can give you a rough estimate, but like others mentioned, getting through to an actual representative can be challenging. Make sure you have all your wage statements ready when you apply - they'll need documentation of your earnings for the entire base period.

My personal experience from changing my DD info was TERRIBLE. took 6 weeks to fix and I ended up having to get my state rep involved. I had to borrow $ from family just to pay rent. The system is broken beyond belief.

Just transfer the money out of that account as soon as it hits? Why risk payment delays when you can just move the money yourself after it deposits?