I feel your pain with those KeyBank card fees! I just switched to direct deposit last week and it was such a hassle. The website kept giving me error messages, so I ended up calling the automated line at 888-209-8124 early in the morning around 7:30am. Press 2 for payment options, then 3 for direct deposit. Have your routing and account number ready. If that doesn't work, you might need to talk to a human - I've heard good things about that claimyr service people are mentioning here. Just make sure to double-check all your bank info because any mistakes will delay your payments. Good luck!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been on the KeyBank card for about a month and those fees are ridiculous. I tried the website like 10 times and it keeps crashing when I get to the payment method section. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like calling early morning is the way to go. Has anyone had success with the automated line recently or is it still buggy? I'm hesitant to pay for a service like claimyr but if the phone system is as broken as the website I might not have a choice. This whole system is so frustrating when you're already dealing with being unemployed!

The whole unemployment system is so confusing. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but when you're actually unemployed it goes by fast. I used up all my benefits in 2023 and had to figure out other options. Make sure you're also looking into job training programs through the state - sometimes they have additional support while you're in training.

Hey QuantumQuester! I'm in a similar situation - got laid off from my retail job about 3 months ago and have been on unemployment since then. Just wanted to confirm what others have said - it's definitely 26 weeks maximum in NY. I'm about halfway through my benefits now and getting nervous about finding something soon. One thing I learned is that your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest earning quarter from the past year, so with your $52k salary you should be getting a decent weekly amount. Also make sure you're certifying every week on time - I almost missed a week early on and it caused a delay in my payments. The job search requirements are real too - they do check up on that stuff sometimes.

omg this happened to my sister too!! she was a cashier and kept messing up the register, got fired but still got unemployment no problem. definitely apply

I went through something very similar when I worked at a clothing store. Got fired for repeated register shortages and tardiness issues - basically the same performance problems you mentioned. I was terrified they'd deny my claim, but NYS Department of Labor approved it without any issues. The key thing is that genuine mistakes and performance issues are treated differently than intentional misconduct. Your employer will likely receive a form asking why you were terminated, but as long as it wasn't willful violation of company policy or dishonesty, you should be fine. Don't let the fear stop you from applying - you've paid into the system and deserve those benefits when you need them!

Hey Zara! I went through something similar when I was making about $590/week at my previous job. Just wanted to share a few practical tips that helped me: First, gather all your pay stubs from the past year before you even think you might need to file - NYS likes documentation and it speeds up the process. Second, if you do get laid off, consider setting up direct deposit right away since paper checks can take longer. Also, don't forget that you can work part-time while collecting benefits as long as you report it properly - this might help bridge the gap between your $268-ish weekly benefit and your $1200 rent. The earnings you can make without affecting benefits changes, so definitely ask about that when you file. One last thing - start networking now if possible, because the 3 weekly job search activities go by faster when you have a plan. Best of luck with everything!

I'm in a really similar situation - working retail and making about $580/week with potential layoffs coming up. This thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like I should expect around $250-270 per week in benefits. I'm definitely going to start gathering my pay stubs and documentation now like @Mae Bennett suggested. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone dealt with seasonal employment affecting their base period calculation? I worked part-time retail last holiday season before getting my current full-time position, so I'm not sure how that factors into the quarterly earnings they look at. Also really appreciate the tip about Claimyr - the thought of trying to reach NYS Department of Labor by phone sounds like a nightmare!

Don't forget about SNAP benefits (food stamps) - you can apply online and if you qualify you might get benefits within a week. Also if you have kids there are additional programs available. The stress is real but you'll get through this, just take it one week at a time.

I went through this exact situation last year and it was terrifying. A few things that really helped me survive those first weeks: plasma donation if you're eligible (can make $50-100/week), task-based apps like TaskRabbit or Instacart for quick cash, and don't be ashamed to reach out to local mutual aid groups on Facebook - they often help with groceries and small bills no questions asked. Also, if you're behind on rent, contact your landlord immediately and explain the situation - many will work with you if you're proactive about communicating rather than just disappearing. The anxiety is overwhelming but you're doing everything right by filing your claims on time. This phase won't last forever even though it feels endless right now.