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What's really interesting is that New York was actually one of the first states to implement unemployment insurance even before the federal Social Security Act. The state passed its own unemployment insurance law in 1935, just months before the federal legislation. The NYS Department of Labor has been refining this system for almost 90 years now, which explains why it has so many detailed procedures and requirements - they've had decades to build out all the fraud prevention measures and eligibility criteria that sometimes make the process feel overwhelming for claimants.
Just wanted to jump back in and say I've been reading all your comments and they mean so much. This is exactly the supportive community I was hoping for. Let's keep lifting each other up through this unemployment journey. ❤️
This post really hit home for me. I just started my unemployment claim process last week and I was already feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork and requirements. Reading through everyone's experiences here - both the struggles and the successes - makes me feel less alone in this. It's amazing how much difference it makes to know there are real people going through the same thing who are willing to help each other out. Thank you @Amina for creating this positive space! 🙏
Just wanted to add that you'll still need to do the job search requirements even while on SSDI. NYS Department of Labor requires three work search contacts per week unless you're on standby status. Make sure you keep your job search log updated when you file your weekly claims.
I just went through this exact situation last year! I'm on SSDI and was able to collect unemployment when I lost my part-time job. The NYS Department of Labor did ask me to explain how I could be available for work while on disability during my phone interview, but I explained that my disability allows me to work part-time with accommodations. They approved my claim without any issues. Just be honest about your work limitations when you file - they understand that SSDI recipients can often still work in some capacity. Good luck!
@Derek Olson That s'so helpful to hear from someone who actually went through this! I was getting worried about the phone interview part. When they asked you to explain your work capacity, did you have to provide any documentation from your doctors or was your verbal explanation enough? I want to make sure I m'prepared with the right information when I file my claim.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL! They explained that I should have reported the training hours in the week I did them, even though I wasn't paid yet. They fixed my claim and explained exactly how to report going forward. For anyone in a similar situation: When you have a firm start date but are in a gap period, make sure you report any training hours during the week you actually did the training. And definitely call to explain your situation if the system flags your account. When I start my after-school job on 9/13, I'll need to report those hours each week, and my benefits will be reduced accordingly. The same applies when I start my driving job. Thank you all so much for your help! I was really stressing out about this.
That's awesome news! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my seasonal job starts in October but I had some training last week. Your experience gives me hope that they can fix these weird gaps in the system. Did you end up using that Claimyr service people mentioned or were you able to get through the regular way?
@Nora Bennett I actually got through using the regular phone number! It took about 45 minutes on hold but I got connected. The agent was really helpful once I explained the whole situation with training vs. actual start date. Good luck with your seasonal job situation - sounds very similar to what I went through!
This whole situation perfectly shows how broken the NY unemployment system is for people with seasonal or irregular work schedules. I'm glad you got it resolved, but it shouldn't take this much stress and confusion just to report training hours correctly! For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save it as a reference. The key takeaways seem to be: 1) Always report training hours in the week you actually do them, regardless of when you get paid, 2) Call NYSDOL immediately if the system flags your account, and 3) Be prepared to explain gap periods between training and actual work start dates. It's ridiculous that we have to become experts in unemployment law just to collect benefits we're entitled to. But at least this thread shows there are solutions if you're persistent enough to get through to an actual human being!
Tristan Carpenter
yeah file asap dude, no point in waiting around
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Isabel Vega
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my position was eliminated due to company restructuring. Like everyone else said, there's no official deadline but you definitely want to file ASAP. What really helped me was having all my documents ready - W2s, pay stubs, and the exact dates of employment. The online system at labor.ny.gov is pretty straightforward but make sure you have your SSN and employer info handy. Also heads up - your first payment might take 2-3 weeks to come through even after you file, so don't panic if it's not immediate. You got this!
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