To add to what others have said, once you get back into your account, I strongly recommend setting up two-factor authentication if you haven't already. NY unemployment started offering this in January 2025, and it's much better than just relying on a password. With 2FA enabled, even if you forget your password, you can still get in using the verification code they send to your phone.

Hey Nia! I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago and I was freaking out too. What really helped me was writing down my password and keeping it somewhere safe after I got back in. Also, if you're still worried about the timing, you can always check your "claim history" section once you're back in to see exactly when your certification period closes - it should show you have until Saturday like Aisha mentioned. The NY unemployment system is definitely frustrating but you'll get through this!

Just to add some clarity on the backdating rules - NYS Department of Labor typically allows backdating up to 4 weeks, but they're pretty strict about what constitutes a "valid reason" for the delay. From what I've seen, they're more likely to approve backdating if you can show you were misinformed about your eligibility or had a legitimate barrier to filing (like illness or lack of internet access). Simply trying to find work first usually isn't enough, unfortunately. That said, definitely still request it when you file - include a brief explanation of your situation and any documentation you have. The worst they can do is deny it, and you'll still get benefits moving forward. The key is to file TODAY so you don't lose any more potential weeks while you're waiting.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - lost my job 3 weeks ago and just found out about these backdating rules. From what I've been reading on the NYS DOL website, they have a form you can fill out when you initially file your claim to request backdating. The form asks you to explain why you didn't file sooner. I'm planning to mention that I wasn't aware of the strict timing requirements and thought I had more time to file. Even if they don't approve the full 3 weeks, getting even 1-2 weeks backdated would help a lot. The important thing everyone's saying is right - file immediately online so you don't lose any more time. The application process took me about 45 minutes and you can save your progress if you need to take breaks to gather documents.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Filed my claim 6 days ago and nothing is showing up in my account either. It's so stressful not knowing if everything went through properly. Reading these comments makes me feel a bit better knowing it's normal for there to be a delay. I guess I'll keep checking daily and hope it appears soon. The waiting is the worst part when you're already stressed about being unemployed.

I had this exact same problem earlier this year! It took about 9 days for my claim to finally show up in the system. What really helped me was saving that confirmation number somewhere safe - I wrote it down and took a screenshot just in case. When it finally did appear, all my information was there and I could immediately start doing my weekly certifications. The NYS Department of Labor system is definitely slow to update, but as long as you have that confirmation number, you should be good. Try not to stress too much about it - I know it's easier said than done when you're waiting for benefits to kick in.

Tell your friend to file ASAP regardless! There's a time limit and even if they get initially denied they can always appeal. Better to have the claim in the system than miss the deadline completely.

From what I understand about NYS Department of Labor rules, theft accusations fall under "misconduct" which can disqualify someone from benefits - BUT the employer has to actually prove it happened. If there's no video evidence, witnesses, or documentation, that's going to be really hard for them to do. Your friend should definitely file the claim immediately since there are strict deadlines. Even if they get initially denied, they can appeal and request a hearing where both sides present their evidence. The lack of proof will likely work in their favor during the appeal process. Don't let the accusation alone stop them from trying - the system is designed to give people a fair chance to dispute these claims.

I'm dealing with a similar back issue from my job at a fulfillment center. One thing my worker's comp attorney mentioned is that you might also want to look into whether you qualify for temporary disability benefits through your state disability insurance (SDI) - it's different from Social Security disability and can sometimes bridge the gap. The payments are usually less than unemployment but the approval process is faster than SSDI. Also, if your injury is work-related, make sure you've filed a worker's comp claim too - those benefits can sometimes run alongside other programs. The whole system is definitely confusing, but documenting everything with your doctors is key regardless of which path you choose.

I just went through this exact situation last year with a rotator cuff injury from my delivery job. Here's what I learned the hard way - New York actually does NOT have state disability insurance (SDI) like California or New Jersey. We only have the federal SSDI option which takes forever. However, you absolutely should file for worker's comp if your back injury happened at work - that's completely separate and you can potentially collect worker's comp while on unemployment in certain situations. The key is getting proper medical documentation NOW. I made the mistake of waiting too long to see specialists and it hurt both my unemployment case (when I couldn't meet work search requirements) and my eventual disability claim. Get an MRI and physical therapy evaluations ASAP. Also, keep detailed records of how your pain affects daily activities - this documentation will be crucial for any disability application later. My advice? Stick with unemployment as long as you can honestly say you're able to work some jobs, but start building your medical case now in case you need to transition to disability benefits down the road.