have you tried applying online? sometimes its easier than calling

Hey Zoe! I went through something super similar last year. The alternate base period was exactly what saved my claim. Since you made $8k in that October-December quarter, you're actually in a pretty good position. Here's what I learned: when they can't use the standard base period (because you didn't meet the earnings threshold in earlier quarters), they automatically check if you qualify under the alternate base period. Your recent $8k quarter will likely be the key. A few things that helped me: - Make sure you have all your pay stubs from that October-December period ready - When you finally get through to someone, be super clear about wanting them to check the alternate base period specifically - Don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to seems confused - some reps know more about this than others The fact that you were let go (not fired for misconduct) in January should work in your favor too. Keep pushing through the process - it's frustrating but you've got a solid case! 💪

this whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple to understand when you can reapply and what you need

I went through this same process about 8 months ago when my original claim expired. The application itself is pretty straightforward on the NY.gov website, but definitely gather all your employment documents first - W-2s, pay stubs, and exact dates of employment. One thing that caught me off guard was that they asked for really specific information about why I left each job, so have those details ready. The whole process took about 2 weeks from application to getting my first payment. Good luck!

Just wanted to update - checked my account this morning and my payment went through! The level 3 thing was actually good news. Thanks everyone for the explanations, really helped calm my nerves.

I'm new here but wanted to share my recent experience with level 3. I had the same status show up last month and panicked because I couldn't find clear info anywhere online. Turns out @Yuki Sato is right - it means a senior adjudicator reviewed and closed your issue. Mine took about 5 business days after showing "issue closed level 3" before payments resumed, and I got all my back pay in one lump sum. The waiting is nerve-wracking but it's actually progress! Definitely check your correspondence inbox on my.ny.gov for any determination letters.

Hey Roger! I totally get the anxiety about this - I was in the exact same situation a few months ago and was convinced I was going to mess something up. But honestly, it turned out to be much simpler than I expected. Here's what I learned: call right when they open (8am is the magic hour), have your claim number and exact travel dates ready, and just be honest about everything. They asked me if I'd still be available for interviews (I said yes, via phone/video) and if I'd continue my job search while away. The whole conversation was maybe 5 minutes once I got through. The agent was actually really nice and said travel notifications are super common. One important thing - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims online while you're gone! That part tripped me up initially. You've got this, and I hope you have an amazing trip! 🌍

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The key is definitely calling right when they open at 8am - I got through in about 15 minutes versus the usual hours-long wait. The representative was actually super understanding and just needed my travel dates and confirmation that I'd still be available for work opportunities via phone/video. They made a note in my file and that was it - no forms, no documentation needed. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims online while you're away (you can do it from anywhere with internet). The whole process was way less scary than I built it up to be in my head. You're doing the right thing by notifying them beforehand - have a safe trip! 🛫

I'm in a similar situation right now - my claim has been in adjudication for about 5 weeks and I keep checking for any status updates. Reading through these responses is really helpful! It sounds like "issue closed level 2" is actually a good sign that the process is moving forward. I've been so worried that no news meant bad news, but it seems like the NYS DOL system just takes forever to update. Has anyone here had experience with how quickly the online account reflects payment information once a claim is approved? I'm trying to manage my expectations for timing.

I just wanted to add some reassurance here - I went through this exact same thing about 8 months ago and "issue closed level 2" was actually the last step before my approval came through! The level 2 review is typically done by a senior adjudicator who signs off on the decision, so it's actually a really good sign that your case has progressed to that point. In my case, I saw that status on a Thursday and had my determination letter (approval) in my online account by the following Tuesday. My first payment hit my direct deposit account about 4 days after that. The backpay for all those weeks of waiting was included too. I know the waiting is absolutely brutal when you're dealing with bills and stress, but this status update is definitely movement in the right direction. Keep filing those weekly claims and hang in there!