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My brother did this and got his benefits no problem. The voluntary part doesn't matter - what matters is WHY the layoff happened. If it's because the company needs to reduce headcount, you're good. Just document everything!
I actually just went through the NYS Department of Labor website and their handbook specifically mentions that voluntary layoffs are eligible for benefits as long as the separation is due to "lack of work" on the employer's part. The key is that you're not quitting your job - you're accepting an offer to be laid off because the company needs to reduce staff. I'd recommend calling the Department of Labor directly at 1-888-209-8124 to confirm your specific situation, especially if your severance package has any unusual terms. Also make sure to file your claim as soon as your last day of work, don't wait!
That's really helpful information about the handbook! I didn't know they had specific guidance on voluntary layoffs. Quick question - does the severance package timing affect when you can start collecting benefits? Like if I get 2 months severance pay, do I have to wait until that runs out to file my claim?
I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now and honestly, finding this thread feels like discovering a lifeline! I've been stuck trying to certify for the past 2 weeks with constant website crashes and have made probably 60+ calls with nothing but busy signals or that automated system that just hangs up on me. The stress of being unemployed and then not being able to access the benefits system is just overwhelming. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though - I'm definitely going to try that automated phone certification number (1-888-581-5812) that @Aaron shared first thing tomorrow morning, along with the early morning calling strategy at 6am. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need to become system experts just to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful everyone is sharing what actually works. The financial anxiety is so real when you're already struggling and then the safety net itself is broken. But seeing so many people eventually break through this mess gives me hope that persistence will pay off. This community support has been amazing when the official system completely fails us. I'll definitely update if any of these methods work for me - fingers crossed!
@KingKongZilla I just joined this community after dealing with the exact same frustrating situation for the past week and a half! 60+ calls with nothing but busy signals is absolutely maddening, and I completely understand that overwhelming stress when you're unemployed and can't even access the system that's supposed to help you. I've been having identical issues - website crashes every time I try to submit my certification and phone lines that are completely inaccessible. It's both heartbreaking and oddly comforting to see how many of us are trapped in this broken mess together. I'm also planning to try that automated phone certification number (1-888-581-5812) at 6am tomorrow based on all the success stories here, plus @Aaron's button sequence strategy. The fact that we need an entire community playbook just to access our own benefits is completely absurd, but I'm so grateful this thread exists when the official system totally abandons us. The financial anxiety is so real when your safety net is broken, but reading about everyone's eventual breakthrough gives me real hope that we'll figure this out too. This community support has been incredible - please keep us posted on how it goes for you tomorrow!
I'm in the exact same boat right now and this thread has been such a lifesaver to find! Been trying to certify for almost 3 weeks with constant website crashes and I've called probably 85+ times with nothing but busy signals. The financial stress is getting really scary when you can't even access the benefits you desperately need. Thank you everyone for sharing all these solutions - I'm definitely going to try that automated phone certification number (1-888-581-5812) that @Aaron mentioned at 6am tomorrow, plus that button sequence strategy. It's absolutely insane that we need a whole community guide just to access our own benefits, but seeing so many people eventually break through this broken system gives me real hope. The fact that this thread exists shows how completely failed the NY unemployment system is right now, but at least we're all helping each other survive this nightmare. I'll definitely report back if any of these methods work for me - fingers crossed!
@Andre I just joined this community after being stuck in the exact same nightmare for the past 10 days! 85+ calls is absolutely brutal and I completely feel your panic about the financial situation - being unemployed and then having the safety net itself be completely broken is just devastating. I've been dealing with identical issues: website crashes every single time I try to certify and phone lines that are totally unreachable. It's both horrible and somehow reassuring to see how widespread this problem is. I'm also planning to try that automated phone certification number (1-888-581-5812) at 6am tomorrow with @Aaron's button sequence strategy based on all the success stories here. You're absolutely right that it's insane we need an entire underground support network just to access our own benefits, but this community has been a real lifeline when the official system completely abandons us. The fact that so many people have eventually broken through this mess gives me genuine hope that persistence will pay off for all of us. Please keep us updated on how the automated phone line works for you - we're all rooting for each other in this broken system!
I've been lurking on this thread because I'm dealing with the exact same "outstanding issue" problem that everyone's describing. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this nightmare! Based on what I'm seeing here, it sounds like Claimyr might be my best bet since multiple people have had success with it. I'm hesitant about the service fee when money's already tight, but if it can get me connected to an agent in under an hour versus waiting 2-3 weeks for an appointment, it seems worth it. Has anyone who used Claimyr had any issues with the service itself? Also wondering if there's a best time of day to try calling through them - I know the regular NYSDOL lines are supposedly less busy early morning or late afternoon. Really appreciate everyone sharing their stories here - it's given me hope that this can actually be resolved relatively quickly!
I totally understand your hesitation about the service fee - I was in the same boat! But honestly, after reading all these success stories, I think it's worth trying. From what I've seen in this thread, most people got through within 30-60 minutes which is incredible compared to the weeks we'd otherwise wait. I haven't used Claimyr myself yet but I'm planning to try it first thing tomorrow morning. From what I remember reading somewhere, early morning (like 8-9am) tends to be less busy for unemployment calls in general, so that might be the best time to try. The stress relief alone of potentially getting this resolved quickly seems worth the fee when you're dealing with rent and bills. Keep us posted if you end up trying it - would love to hear how it goes!
I used Claimyr about two weeks ago and had a really good experience! No issues with the service itself - they send you text updates throughout the process so you know where you are in the queue. I tried it around 9:30am on a Wednesday and got connected to an agent in about 40 minutes. The agent was super helpful and cleared up my "outstanding issue" which turned out to be a simple documentation problem. Honestly the peace of mind was worth every penny - I had been losing sleep over this for weeks! I'd definitely recommend trying it in the morning like others have suggested. The worst that happens is it doesn't work and you're back to waiting for an appointment, but at least you'll know you tried everything. Good luck!
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been so incredibly helpful! My claim has been stuck with an "outstanding issue" for about 2.5 weeks and I was starting to panic about my rent payment. Reading all these success stories with Claimyr is giving me hope - it sounds like most people are getting through within an hour instead of waiting weeks for appointments. I'm definitely going to try it first thing tomorrow morning based on everyone's recommendations. It's so frustrating that the system is this broken, but I'm grateful that people like Leo, Fatima, and Zoe took the time to share their positive experiences. Sometimes you just need to know there's light at the end of the tunnel! I'll try to update this thread once I've tried Claimyr in case it helps anyone else who finds this post in the future. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and advice - this community support means a lot when you're dealing with bureaucratic nightmares!
Had a similar situation last month. Definitely notify them beforehand - I sent a secure message through the NY.gov portal explaining my travel dates and reasons. Also made sure to NOT certify while I was out of the country. When I got back, I called to handle that week's certification. The rep said as long as you're transparent about it upfront, they're usually understanding. Just don't try to certify from abroad or they'll flag your account for sure.
@Rachel Clark Really appreciate you sharing this! I m'dealing with the exact same situation right now. One more question - did you mention the specific reason for your travel in the secure message, or did you just say you d'be out of the country? Trying to figure out how detailed I need to be when I contact them.
@Rachel Clark This is really reassuring to hear! I m'actually in a similar spot - need to travel internationally for a family situation. Did they ask you to provide any documentation when you called back, like boarding passes or anything? Also wondering how far in advance you sent that secure message - was it like a week before or just a couple days? Thanks for being so helpful with all these questions!
Ava Rodriguez
Congratulations Logan! 🎉 That message is absolutely your official approval notification - you've made it through the hardest part! I received the exact same message from NY DOL about 4 months ago and my direct deposit came through in exactly 2 business days, just like everyone else here is saying. Since you already have direct deposit set up, you'll definitely get your payment much faster than the 3-week KeyBank card timeline they mention. Mine actually hit my account around 5:15 AM on the second business day, so I'd recommend checking your account early in the morning! Make sure to screenshot that approval message for your records and set up a weekly certification reminder ASAP - I do mine every Sunday at 8 AM and haven't missed one yet. The approval process was definitely the most stressful part, but now it's just about maintaining that weekly certification routine. You're basically at the finish line now - congrats on pushing through all the uncertainty! 💪
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CosmicCaptain
•Thanks Ava! That 5:15 AM timing is super specific and helpful - it's wild how consistent NY DOL's early morning processing seems to be across everyone's experiences! 😊 The fact that literally everyone here has had the same 2 business day timeline gives me so much confidence. Already got my approval message screenshotted and my Sunday 8 AM certification reminder is locked and loaded. This whole thread has been incredible - I went from being anxious and unsure to feeling totally prepared thanks to everyone sharing their exact experiences and timelines. After months of stress, I can't believe I'm finally at the point where I just need to wait a couple days for that first deposit. Ready to join the success stories! 🎉
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Ryder Ross
Congrats Logan! 🎉 That's definitely your approval message - you're officially in the system! I got this exact same notification about 6 weeks ago and my direct deposit hit in 2 business days just like everyone else here. Since you already have DD set up, you'll see it way faster than the KeyBank card option. Pro tip: check your account around 5-6 AM - that's when NY DOL usually processes deposits. Mine came through at 5:40 AM on day 2! Make sure you screenshot that message for your records and set up a Sunday morning certification reminder ASAP. The approval was definitely the hardest part - now it's just staying consistent with weekly certifications. You made it through the worst of it! 💪
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Giovanni Rossi
•Thanks Ryder! That 5:40 AM timing is perfect to know - I'm definitely going to be checking bright and early! 😊 It's incredible how every single person here has had the exact same 2 business day experience with NY DOL. The consistency is so reassuring after all the uncertainty of the approval process. Already got my approval message saved and my Sunday morning certification reminder set up. This community has been absolutely amazing - going from total anxiety to feeling completely prepared thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences. Can't wait to finally see that deposit and officially close this stressful chapter! 🙏✨
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