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Quick update on this issue - I've been handling NY unemployment claims for years, and there's actually been a rise in these "phantom forfeit days" since the system upgrade in February 2025. If you're experiencing this, specifically request that the agent check the "Penalty Enforcement and Resolution System" (PERS) database, not just the regular claims system. They need to do a cross-reference to identify duplicate penalty applications. The backpay is automatically processed once the duplicate is confirmed and removed.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to them? If you're still having trouble reaching someone, that Claimyr service I mentioned really did save me days of frustration. The agent I spoke with said they're seeing this forfeit day issue a lot lately and have a specific protocol for fixing it now.
That's amazing news! So glad you got it resolved quickly. It's frustrating that we have to use third-party services to reach our own state agencies, but at least there's a solution. Hope you get your back pay soon!
@Tyler Murphy That s'fantastic that you got it resolved! I m'dealing with a similar issue right now - they applied old forfeit days that I thought were settled. Going to try that Claimyr service today. Thanks for sharing the update, it gives me hope that this can actually be fixed quickly!
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO SCREW SMALL BUSINESSES! They make it impossible to get straight answers about your tax rates and then hit you with massive increases. We had THREE claims last year and our rate went up 40%!
Wait, so if I get laid off and file for unemployment, my former employer gets punished financially? That makes me feel kind of bad about filing... should I not apply for benefits?
Don't feel bad at all! This is exactly what the system is for. Employers pay into unemployment insurance specifically to cover situations like layoffs. You earned those benefits through your work, and your employer was paying for this coverage all along. File your claim.
@Kristian Bishop is absolutely right! As someone who works in HR, I can tell you that unemployment insurance is part of the cost of doing business. Companies budget for these taxes just like they budget for workers comp' or other insurance. The system exists specifically to help people like you during layoffs through no fault of your own. Please don t'let concern for your former employer stop you from getting the benefits you re'entitled to.
Good luck with everything! I hope it works out for you. Being terminated is stressful enough without worrying about benefits too.
I went through something similar when I got terminated from my retail job for what they called "performance issues" but was really just me having a hard time during a family emergency. I was so worried I wouldn't qualify for benefits, but I applied anyway and got approved after about 3 weeks. The NYS Department of Labor really does look at the whole picture - they're not just trying to deny everyone. Since you have doctor's notes for most of your sick days, that's going to help your case a lot. Don't let the stress keep you from applying right away. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. Also keep all your documentation organized in case they need it during the review process.
Wait, are you sure about the hour reduction thing? I thought you had to be laid off or fired to get unemployment. This is confusing because I might be in a similar situation soon.
I went through something really similar about 6 months ago. My hours got cut from 35 to about 12 per week and I ended up quitting. I did get approved for unemployment but it wasn't easy - I had to provide my old schedules, pay stubs showing the income drop, and write a detailed statement explaining why the hour reduction made it impossible to continue working there. The whole process took about 5 weeks from filing to getting my first payment. One thing that helped was that I applied for other jobs before quitting to show I was trying to find alternative employment. The unemployment office seemed to like that I made an effort to stay employed. Also, definitely look into local food banks and emergency rent assistance programs while you're waiting - many places have programs specifically for people between jobs.
Fatima Al-Qasimi
I swear, dealing with unemployment is like playing 4D chess while blindfolded. And the chess pieces keep changing shape. And the board is on fire. Good luck, OP! 🔥♟️😵💫
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Sofia Perez
I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Here's what I learned: you absolutely should still file your weekly certification and report the severance. There's usually a section where they ask about "other income" - that's where the severance goes. My benefits got reduced that week because of the severance amount, but it was totally worth being honest about it. The DOL has ways of finding out about unreported income anyway (they cross-reference with tax records), so it's not worth the risk. Also, keep copies of everything - the severance letter, payment confirmation, everything. If they ever audit your claim later, you'll be glad you have the documentation. The whole system is confusing enough without having to worry about paperwork issues on top of it! Your spouse is doing the right thing by asking questions instead of just guessing. Better to be cautious with this stuff! 👍
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