The number of people going thru this EXACT same thing right now is wild. They're cracking down hard on everyone post-pandemic. My theory is they're trying to recoup all the money they paid out during covid.

im dealing with almost the identical situation, except my penalty is $580 for not reporting some gig work i did. called for weeks with no luck. finally broke down and used claimyr.com after seeing it recommended here. got a callback within 3 hrs and explained my situation. the rep actually helped me file for a waiver since it was my first offense! worth a shot for u too

This is so frustrating but unfortunately very typical of the NY unemployment system right now. That 2015 expiration date is a dead giveaway that something is seriously wrong with your account - either old data got mixed up or there's a system glitch affecting multiple people. I've been following similar issues in this community and it seems like there was a major system update that went wrong, causing old penalties and random dates to appear on current accounts. The fact that you weren't even on unemployment in 2015 makes this pretty clearly a system error. The double penalty situation (forfeit + still owing money) doesn't make sense either. Normally if they forfeit your entire weekly payment, that should count toward any penalty balance, not be separate from it. Here's what I'd recommend based on what's worked for others: - Document everything immediately, especially that 2015 date before it potentially gets "fixed" and disappears - Try the secure messaging system first asking specifically about the date discrepancy - If that fails, the callback services people mentioned seem to be the most reliable way to actually reach a human - Consider contacting your state representative's office - they often have direct lines to DOL Don't let them wear you down - this sounds like a legitimate system error that they'll have to fix once someone actually reviews your case. Keep us posted on how it goes!

This is absolutely ridiculous - the NY unemployment system is completely broken! That 2015 expiration date is definitely a red flag that screams system error. I've seen similar issues where old data gets randomly attached to current accounts after their system updates. The fact that you're getting both a forfeit penalty AND they're saying you still owe money makes no sense. If they're taking your entire weekly payment away, that should be applied toward whatever penalty balance they think exists - not be separate from it. It sounds like their system is double-dipping. I'd definitely screenshot that 2015 date before it potentially disappears. Also try sending a secure message through your online account specifically asking about that expiration date discrepancy - at least you'll have their response in writing. If you can't get through by phone (which seems impossible these days), consider reaching out to your assembly member's office. They often have direct contacts at DOL and can help cut through the bureaucratic mess. This is clearly a system error that needs to be fixed, not your fault. Don't let them discourage you from fighting this - you deserve your benefits and they need to sort out their technical problems!

Don't wait any longer!! File online at ny.gov today. The application isn't that hard and you can always call if you get stuck on something. Better to get the process started now than lose another week of benefits.

I went through the same situation last year - waited about a month before applying and kicked myself for it. The good news is you can definitely still apply since it's only been 6 weeks, but you're right to be concerned about the timing. When you do apply, make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities because they'll ask about that during your weekly certifications. Also, be prepared that it might take a few weeks to get your first payment even after you're approved, so don't wait any longer. The online application at ny.gov is pretty straightforward - just have your Social Security card, driver's license, and information about your last employer ready.

Just filed my claim yesterday and it went through fine. This is my fourth time filing since 2022. Construction life lol

Emma, you're totally fine! I work in seasonal landscaping and have filed probably 6 times in the last 3 years. As others mentioned, there's no limit as long as each claim is legitimate. The key is making sure you have enough work credits in your base period for each new claim. NYS DOL actually expects multiple filings from seasonal workers - it's built into the system. Just keep good records of your work history and you shouldn't have any problems. The construction industry is notorious for this kind of cyclical employment pattern.

Just wanted to say I'm in the same boat with Grubhub. It's reassuring to know others are dealing with this too. The weekly claim form really wasn't designed for gig workers.

I went through this exact same situation last year with DoorDash and NYS Department of Labor. Here's what worked for me: Report it under "self-employment earnings" and use the gross amount before any deductions. Keep detailed records of your weekly earnings from the DoorDash app because they may ask for documentation later. Also, make sure you understand the earnings threshold - if you make over a certain amount in a week, you might lose that week's benefits entirely. The good news is once you get the reporting format right, it becomes routine. Don't give up!