honestly the NYS Department of Labor makes this way too complicated... i just called them directly to ask about my benefit amount when i filed. took forever to get through but they calculated it for me on the spot. you could also try using one of those third party services that help you get through to agents faster

Just a heads up - even if you calculate what you think you should get, sometimes the NYS Department of Labor comes up with a different number based on wages they have on file vs what you think you earned. I thought I'd get around $480 based on my calculations but ended up getting $421 because one of my employers didn't report all my wages correctly.

i made a spreadsheet to track all my calls to unemployment last year: - 47 calls over 3 weeks - average wait: 1hr 22min - got hung up on: 19 times - reached human: 6 times - problem actually solved: ONCE the system is a joke 🤡

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed in October, got caught up in their verification nightmare for 2 months, and didn't certify during that time because the system kept showing my claim as "pending" and I thought there was no point. Now I'm approved but missing like 8 weeks of payments that I desperately need. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying - sounds like getting through to someone is a full-time job in itself. I'm definitely going to try that "payment not received" tip when calling the automated system. Has anyone had success getting backdated more than 6-8 weeks? I'm worried they'll say it's been too long even though it was their verification process that caused the delay in the first place. This whole system seems designed to make people give up and walk away from money they're legally entitled to.

Don't quit unless you absolutely have to! The system is rigged against workers who quit. Even with 'good cause' they'll find ways to deny you. Better to get fired honestly, then you're guaranteed benefits.

same boat here, my supervisor has been awful but idk if i can prove it enough for unemployment... might just have to stick it out until i find something else

The whole unemployment system is just another way for the government to control businesses if you ask me. Making employers pay all these taxes and then bureaucrats decide who gets benefits and who doesn't. At least you're getting something back but the red tape is ridiculous.

Thanks for all the detailed explanations! As someone new to this, it's really helpful to understand that the money comes from employer contributions rather than my own paycheck deductions. I was actually feeling guilty about collecting benefits, thinking I was somehow taking money I hadn't earned or contributed to. Knowing that my previous employers already paid into this system based on having me as an employee makes me feel more comfortable about using the benefits while I search for new work. The experience rating system also makes a lot of sense - it creates incentives for companies to think twice before laying people off unnecessarily.

Just wanted to add - if you're getting the money order from a grocery store or gas station, double check that they actually have enough cash on hand for a $430 money order. I went to three different places last week before finding one that could do it. CVS and most grocery stores can usually handle larger amounts, but some smaller places have limits. Also bring cash obviously - they won't take cards for money orders. The fee is usually around $1-2 depending where you go.

One more tip that saved me a huge headache - when you're at the post office or wherever getting the money order, ask them to print it clearly or use block letters. My first money order got rejected because they couldn't read the handwriting and it looked like a different name. Had to get a new one and start the whole process over. Also, some places like Walmart have a $1000 daily limit per person for money orders, so if you need multiple orders for some reason, you might have to come back the next day or go somewhere else. The DOL is super picky about everything being perfect so take your time filling it out!