Keep documenting everything related to your layoff - any emails, notices, witness contact info, etc. If the initial adjudication doesn't go your way, you have appeal rights. But honestly, if it was a straightforward layoff due to company downsizing, I'd be surprised if they denied your claim. Employers often contest automatically as a matter of policy, even when they know the claim will be approved.

Don't give up hope - having a written layoff notice is huge in your favor! I went through something similar last year when my company did layoffs. Even though my employer contested, NYS DOL approved my claim once they reviewed the documentation. The waiting is brutal, I know, but try to stay patient. In the meantime, definitely keep certifying for benefits every week like others mentioned. Also, if you're really strapped for cash, look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs while you wait. Some counties have emergency rental assistance too if your situation gets desperate. You've got this!

Same thing happened to my neighbor last year, employer fought it but she still got her benefits after like a month delay. The adjudication process just takes longer when they contest but if you were really laid off you'll be fine.

Don't let your employer intimidate you! I went through this exact situation 6 months ago when my company did layoffs. They tried to contest my claim saying I was fired for "performance issues" but I had all my performance reviews showing I was meeting expectations. NYS Department of Labor saw right through it during the adjudication process. The whole thing took about 5 weeks instead of the usual 2-3 weeks, but I got approved and even received back pay for the delayed period. Keep all your documentation ready and don't stress too much - if it was truly a layoff, you have strong grounds for approval.

Just a heads up - you can also set up quarterly estimated tax payments if you think you'll be on unemployment again this year. That way you won't get hit with a huge bill next tax season.

For what it's worth, I went through this exact same situation two years ago. I was terrified about owing a huge amount, but it ended up being manageable. If you can't pay the full amount when you file, the IRS has payment plan options available. Don't let the stress keep you from filing on time though - there are penalties for filing late that are worse than just owing money. Also, if you're still job searching, consider having taxes withheld from any future unemployment benefits to avoid this situation again.

Try certifying really early in the morning like 5 or 6 AM when fewer people are online. That's what I do and never have problems.

I'm having the same issue! Been trying since 8am and keep getting timeout errors. What's frustrating is that I can see my claim status and payment history just fine, but the moment I click on weekly certification the whole thing crashes. I tried using my phone's mobile data instead of wifi in case it was a connection issue on my end, but no luck. Really hoping this gets fixed soon because I can't afford to miss this week either.

The whole system is a mess honestly. They make it so complicated when people are already stressed about finding work. I've been doing my 3 searches religiously but half the jobs posted online aren't even real openings.

I feel your frustration about the confusing requirements! Just to add some clarity - the 3 job search activities per week is correct, and they can include a variety of things beyond just online applications. I've found that attending virtual career workshops through the NY Career Center also counts, and they're actually pretty helpful. You can access them through the DOL website. Also, if you're in a specific field, reaching out to recruiters or staffing agencies counts too. The important thing is keeping that detailed log with dates, company names, and what type of activity you did. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything - makes it much easier when it's time to file your weekly claim.