Yeah definitely file right away. I made the mistake of thinking I should wait and see if I could find another job first. Bad idea - you're just losing time and potentially money. The NYS Department of Labor wants you to file as soon as you're unemployed.

Just to add some clarity - in NY you should file your initial unemployment claim immediately after losing your job, but there's still a 7-day waiting period before you receive your first benefit payment. This waiting period starts from your first day of unemployment, not from when you file. So if you were laid off yesterday, that counts as day 1 of your waiting period. You'll still need to certify for benefits during that first week even though you won't get paid for it. The key is getting your claim started ASAP so there are no unnecessary delays in the process.

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

Whatever you do, don't ignore it! I made that mistake and they automatically started taking money out of my tax refund. File something even if you're not sure - at least it shows you're trying to resolve it.

I'm going through something similar right now with a $1,900 overpayment notice. From what I've learned, you should definitely file both the appeal AND the waiver request - they're separate processes that can run simultaneously. The appeal challenges whether the overpayment is correct, while the waiver asks for forgiveness even if it is correct. Make sure you have copies of all your weekly certifications showing you DID report the work. I found mine in my online account under "Payment History" - it shows exactly what you reported each week. Also document any technical issues you had with the system or confusing instructions. The fact that you reported the work but maybe got the hours wrong is actually a strong point in your favor for a waiver since it shows good faith effort to comply.

There was a glitch in the system last month where old penalties were showing up randomly on accounts. Might be worth asking if that's what happened here.

This sounds like a classic NY unemployment system mess-up. The 2015 expiration date is definitely a red flag - that suggests either old data is incorrectly attached to your account or there's a system glitch. I went through something similar last year where they applied a penalty from a completely different claim period to my current benefits. It took forever to sort out, but they eventually fixed it and released all my back payments. A few things that might help: 1. Screenshot everything now - especially that weird 2015 date 2. Try sending a secure message through your online account asking specifically about the expiration date discrepancy 3. If you can't get through by phone, consider reaching out to your local assembly member's office - they often have direct contacts at DOL The fact that they're both forfeiting your payment AND saying you still owe money does sound like double-dipping. That's not how penalties usually work. Keep fighting this - it sounds like a legitimate system error that needs to be corrected. Good luck and don't give up! The system is designed to be frustrating but this is fixable.

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.