The NYS Department of Labor benefit calculator used to be easier to find on their website but they moved everything around. Your benefit rate also depends on having enough wages in your base period to qualify, not just the weekly amount calculation. If you haven't worked consistently or had gaps in employment it might affect your eligibility too.

I just went through this process a few months ago after getting laid off from my construction job. You're right that you can't get the exact amount until you file, but I found a rough way to estimate it. Look at your pay stubs from your highest-earning quarter (usually your most recent full quarter before layoff) and add up the gross wages. Then divide by 26 - that gives you a ballpark figure, though it'll be capped at the maximum weekly benefit amount. With your salary plus the part-time work, you'll probably hit or get close to the maximum. The good news is NYS Department of Labor processes claims pretty quickly once you file, so you won't be waiting weeks to find out your actual rate.

The whole NYS Department of Labor appeal system is a joke honestly. They side with employers like 90% of the time no matter what evidence you have. I filed an appeal last year for wrongful termination and even with a hostile work environment documented they still denied me. But you should still try because occasionally they do the right thing.

I just went through the appeal process successfully a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was writing a detailed timeline of events leading up to my termination. Include dates, times, and any witnesses present when you reported the unsafe conditions. Also, if you have any photos or documentation of the unsafe conditions, definitely include those. The Administrative Law Judge seemed really interested in the fact that I had tried to address the issues internally first before being terminated. Don't give up - retaliation for reporting safety issues is taken seriously in these hearings. Make sure to emphasize that the "poor performance" claims only came up after you complained about safety.

Just want to add that you should definitely keep track of your job search activities from day one even while waiting for approval. The NYS Department of Labor requires proof that you're actively looking for work, and they can ask for your job search log at any time.

I went through this process about 6 months ago and it took exactly 3 weeks to get my first payment. The key thing is to make sure all your information is accurate when you file - any discrepancies can delay the process significantly. Also, don't panic if your claim status stays "pending" for a while, that's totally normal. The NYS Department of Labor processes thousands of claims so it just takes time. In the meantime, you might want to reach out to local food banks or community assistance programs if you're worried about making rent. Most landlords are also understanding if you explain the situation and show them your pending unemployment claim.

DETAILED GUIDE FOR GETTING THROUGH: After dealing with this for months, here's what I learned: 1. Regular phone lines are overwhelmed, especially midday 2. Using claimyr.com is honestly the fastest way - they handle the hold time for you 3. Have your claim info ready when you get through 4. Be super nice to the rep, they're dealing with angry people all day 5. Take detailed notes during your call I know paying $20 seems annoying but its better than wasting days trying to get through. The service at claimyr.com is legit and they guarantee you'll get through or money back. Good luck everyone!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who mentioned claimyr.com - I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot after reading all the positive feedback here. Used it yesterday and actually got through to a rep in about 90 minutes! Finally got my claim sorted out after being stuck for 3 weeks. The $20 fee felt steep but honestly it was so worth it compared to the stress and time I was wasting calling dozens of times a day. For anyone still on the fence, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - the peace of mind alone is worth it when you're dealing with bills piling up.

The unemployment system is so confusing and they don't explain anything clearly. I remember being stressed about every little detail when I filed. Just make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you're unemployed and keep track of your job search activities from day one.

@Kara, one more tip - when you file online, make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records handy. The system will ask for specific dates and wage information from your last employer. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need that info too since they look at your earnings over the "base period" to determine your benefit amount. The whole application took me about 30 minutes when I had everything ready. Good luck!