Just wanted to add that you should definitely file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after your termination. NYS Department of Labor has a waiting period anyway, so there's no advantage to delaying. The key is maintaining your job search documentation since that's required for both your visa status and your weekly claim certifications.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my company had layoffs. The most important thing to understand is that the 60-day grace period and unemployment benefits are completely separate matters. I filed for NYS Department of Labor benefits immediately after my termination and it had zero impact on my H1B status. In fact, the unemployment benefits were crucial for covering my rent and expenses while I was job hunting. Just make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities - both for the weekly unemployment certifications and to show you're actively seeking new employment within your grace period. I found a new position on day 52, so cutting it close but it worked out. Don't let fear of immigration issues prevent you from getting the financial support you're entitled to.

Just went through this process myself after getting laid off from a similar salary range. One thing to keep in mind is that the $504 maximum is based on the state-wide average, but it really doesn't account for regional cost differences. Since you mentioned rent being a concern, you might want to look into other assistance programs too - like SNAP benefits or utility assistance programs that you can apply for while on unemployment. Also, if you have any side income or freelance work, make sure to report it properly when you file your weekly claims. NYS is pretty strict about that and you don't want any issues down the line.

One thing I'd add to the great advice already shared here - make sure you understand the base period calculation. NYS uses the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you get laid off next month and file in say February, they'll look at your earnings from roughly April 2023 through March 2024. If you've had any salary increases in the past year, that might affect which quarters give you the highest earnings for the calculation. Also, while $504 is the current max, keep an eye out for any updates to the benefit amounts - they do adjust periodically based on state wage data.

I've been on unemployment for about 6 months and holidays definitely affect timing. From my experience, if there's a federal holiday during the week, payments usually get delayed by one business day. So if you normally get paid on Tuesday, it would come Wednesday instead. The important thing is that you certified on time (which you did on Sunday), so your payment is in the queue - it's just the bank processing that gets delayed. I'd suggest setting up text alerts if you haven't already, and maybe keep a small buffer for rent timing in the future since holiday delays are pretty predictable. Your money will come through, just maybe a day or two later than usual.

I've been through this exact situation multiple times and I completely understand the stress! From my experience with NYS unemployment, holiday delays are pretty common but predictable. Since you certified on Sunday as usual, your claim is processed - it's just the payment release that might be delayed. I usually see delays of 1-2 business days during holiday weeks, with direct deposit typically being faster than the debit card option. The frustrating part is that NYS DOL doesn't always communicate these delays clearly upfront. For future reference, I've learned to expect delays around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Year's. Try checking your account Wednesday morning if you don't see it Tuesday - that's when mine usually shows up during holiday weeks. Hang in there!

yeah you can get it but good luck actually getting through to them to file or fix any issues lol

I went through something similar a few months ago. Got terminated for "performance issues" but really it was just a bad manager who had it out for me. NYS Department of Labor approved my claim after about 3 weeks. The key thing is to be completely honest about what happened when you file - don't try to sugarcoat it or make excuses. If your employer challenges it, you'll get a phone hearing where you can explain your side. The fact that you have documentation about your car troubles and no written warnings definitely helps your case. File today if you haven't already - the sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start even if there are delays.

UGH the whole NYS Department of Labor system is a nightmare! They use the most confusing language possible. 'Not ineligible' sounds like they're trying to confuse people on purpose. Why can't they just say 'APPROVED' like normal people??

I went through this exact same confusion when I first filed! "Not ineligible" is definitely their weird way of saying you're approved - it's like they couldn't just use clear language. The payment delay is pretty normal for new claims though. I'd suggest calling the dedicated payment inquiry line (518-457-9000) early in the morning around 8 AM - that's when I had the best luck getting through. Also make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account, sometimes that can cause delays too.