Call them ASAP! Don't wait or it'll be harder to fix. The longer u wait the more complicated it gets trust

This is definitely a system error - you should only have one waiting week per benefit year! I had something similar happen to me last year. The key is to keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what they're doing. Document everything like Josef said and don't let them tell you it's normal because it's not. The system has been extra glitchy since they updated it. Hope you get it sorted out quickly!

The wage requirements change every year but for 2025 you need at least $2,700 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount. Since you're still employed part-time, you'll file for partial benefits and your weekly benefit will be reduced by a portion of what you earn each week. Make sure to report all work and earnings accurately on your weekly claims or you could face an overpayment.

I went through something similar when my hours got cut at my job last year. The key thing to remember is you need to file your claim as soon as your hours are reduced - don't wait! You can apply online at labor.ny.gov and the system will walk you through determining if you meet the wage requirements based on your work history. Since you've been working 8 months you should have enough quarters of work. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims that you report exactly how many hours you worked and how much you earned that week. The system will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount. Also keep records of your job search activities because they do audit that requirement.

same thing happened to my sister last year, employer said she quit but she was actually terminated

This is really helpful info everyone! I'm dealing with a similar situation where I was laid off but worried my employer might report it differently. Quick question - is there a way for us to see what our employer actually submitted on the separation notice, or do we only find out if there's a problem during adjudication? Want to make sure I'm prepared in case there are any discrepancies when I file my claim.

26 weeks is nothing these days with how the job market is. I was unemployed for almost a year and had to figure out other assistance programs after my UI ran out. Tell your cousin to start looking immediately and don't wait around thinking he has plenty of time

One thing to add - make sure your cousin applies as soon as possible after his layoff. There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get paid for that first week. Also, he'll need to have his employer information ready (like his last day of work, reason for separation, etc.) when he files online at labor.ny.gov. The sooner he gets his claim in, the sooner he can start receiving those 26 weeks of benefits. Construction workers often have good wage histories so he should qualify for a decent weekly benefit amount.

Just wanted to update everyone - my son got a call from DOL yesterday explaining the whole situation. Turns out his claim got flagged because he had worked in another state briefly last year. They said the legislative office inquiry is what pushed his claim through final approval. So definitely reach out to your representatives if you're stuck!

This is so helpful, thank you for sharing! I've been stuck in limbo for 2 months now and getting the runaround every time I call. Your success story gives me hope that there's actually a way forward. I'm definitely going to try contacting my assembly person - I hadn't even thought of that option. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits we're entitled to, but at least there are people like you willing to share what actually works. Congratulations to your son on finally getting his money!