update us when u hear back!! i hope they fix it fast for u!

I went through something very similar in 2023! The same exact scenario - overpayment issue followed by a mysterious "job refusal" letter that made no sense. In my case, it turned out to be a data entry error where they accidentally linked someone else's job refusal to my claim number. What saved me was getting everything in writing. When I finally got through to an agent (took forever), I asked them to email me a summary of what they found and corrected in my file. That written confirmation became crucial when the same error popped up again a month later. Also, when you respond to the letter, be very specific about your job search activities during that time period. List the actual jobs you DID apply for around March 1st if any, to show you were actively seeking work, not refusing it. This helps demonstrate the letter is clearly wrong. Stay strong - these system errors are frustrating but they do get resolved eventually!

As someone who's currently navigating this system, I really appreciate everyone breaking this down! I was also confused about the funding structure when I first started collecting. One thing that helped me was understanding that while NY state funds the regular benefits through employer taxes, the federal government can also provide extended benefits during high unemployment periods (like the PEUC and PUA programs during COVID). It's reassuring to know that the State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has been built up over time through employer contributions, so it's not just dependent on annual budget allocations. Has anyone had experience with what happens if you move to another state while collecting NY benefits?

This is such a helpful thread! I've been collecting unemployment for about 6 weeks now and was also confused about the funding. What really helped me understand it was thinking of it like insurance - NY employers have been paying into this state fund for years, kind of like how you pay car insurance premiums before you need to make a claim. The NYS Department of Labor essentially manages this insurance fund that employers have built up through their unemployment tax contributions. One thing I'm still wondering about though - does the size of NY's unemployment trust fund affect how quickly they process claims? I've noticed some delays in my payments and wasn't sure if that was related to funding levels or just system capacity issues.

Just to add some specific numbers to help with your planning - you need to have earned at least $2,600 during your base period AND have worked in at least 2 different calendar quarters during that time. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest earning quarter, so having that restaurant job before your current position actually helps build up your wage history. If you do end up getting laid off due to budget cuts, that's considered an involuntary separation which means you should qualify as long as you meet the monetary requirements. Good luck!

I want to add one important thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you keep good records of all your employment, including pay stubs, W-2s, and any documentation from both your restaurant job and current position. When you file your claim, NYS DOL will verify your wages with your employers, but sometimes there can be delays or discrepancies. Having your own records helps speed up the process and ensures you get the correct benefit amount. Also, if you do get laid off, file your claim right away - benefits don't start until you actually file, even if you're eligible from your separation date.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I used that Claimyr service and got connected to an agent in about an hour. Turns out when I reported my one day of work, some flag got triggered in the system that put my claim on hold. The agent was able to see that it was just a temporary job and immediately reactivated my claim. She said my payments should resume with my next certification on Sunday. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.

Wow, glad you got this sorted out! This is exactly why I hate the NY unemployment system - it's like they designed it to randomly punish people for working. I had a similar issue last year where I did some freelance work for 3 days and it completely screwed up my claim. Took forever to get it fixed and meanwhile I'm stressing about rent and bills. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through hoops just because we tried to work a little bit. At least now you know for next time that even short-term work can trigger these stupid system flags. Thanks for posting the update - it'll help other people who run into the same problem!

Just to be clear - if you need to file weekly claims, check your payment history, or get information about job search requirements, that's all NYS Department of Labor through their online portal at my.ny.gov. Don't waste time calling other agencies.

@Aisha Khan - I went through a similar situation last year with a denial and the appeals process. Just wanted to add that when you file your appeal with NYS Department of Labor, make sure to include any additional documentation that supports your case - pay stubs, termination letter, etc. The Administrative Law Judge will review everything fresh, not just what was in your original claim. Also, you can represent yourself or bring someone to help advocate for you during the hearing. Don't give up - many denials get overturned on appeal when people can actually explain their situation properly. The initial determination process is pretty automated, but the appeals hearing gives you a real chance to present your case to a human being.