Just wanted to jump back in and say I've been reading all your comments and they mean so much. This is exactly the supportive community I was hoping for. Let's keep lifting each other up through this unemployment journey. ❤️

This post really hit home for me. I just started my unemployment claim process last week and I was already feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork and requirements. Reading through everyone's experiences here - both the struggles and the successes - makes me feel less alone in this. It's amazing how much difference it makes to know there are real people going through the same thing who are willing to help each other out. Thank you @Amina for creating this positive space! 🙏

Just wanted to add that you'll still need to do the job search requirements even while on SSDI. NYS Department of Labor requires three work search contacts per week unless you're on standby status. Make sure you keep your job search log updated when you file your weekly claims.

I just went through this exact situation last year! I'm on SSDI and was able to collect unemployment when I lost my part-time job. The NYS Department of Labor did ask me to explain how I could be available for work while on disability during my phone interview, but I explained that my disability allows me to work part-time with accommodations. They approved my claim without any issues. Just be honest about your work limitations when you file - they understand that SSDI recipients can often still work in some capacity. Good luck!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL! They explained that I should have reported the training hours in the week I did them, even though I wasn't paid yet. They fixed my claim and explained exactly how to report going forward. For anyone in a similar situation: When you have a firm start date but are in a gap period, make sure you report any training hours during the week you actually did the training. And definitely call to explain your situation if the system flags your account. When I start my after-school job on 9/13, I'll need to report those hours each week, and my benefits will be reduced accordingly. The same applies when I start my driving job. Thank you all so much for your help! I was really stressing out about this.

This whole situation perfectly shows how broken the NY unemployment system is for people with seasonal or irregular work schedules. I'm glad you got it resolved, but it shouldn't take this much stress and confusion just to report training hours correctly! For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save it as a reference. The key takeaways seem to be: 1) Always report training hours in the week you actually do them, regardless of when you get paid, 2) Call NYSDOL immediately if the system flags your account, and 3) Be prepared to explain gap periods between training and actual work start dates. It's ridiculous that we have to become experts in unemployment law just to collect benefits we're entitled to. But at least this thread shows there are solutions if you're persistent enough to get through to an actual human being!

If you run into issues getting through on the phone to NYS Department of Labor (which happens a lot), I recently found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call and getting busy signals when I needed to ask about my claim status.

Just want to add - make sure you're eligible before applying. You need to have worked enough quarters and earned enough wages. Also be prepared for the job search requirements once you start receiving benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires you to actively look for work and keep records of your job search activities.