I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the physical symptoms from unemployment anxiety are real and brutal. I went through something similar last year when they denied my claim despite having clear W-2s showing I earned $5,400 in my base period. What finally worked for me was getting super organized with my documentation and being extremely persistent. A few things that helped: 1) I calculated my own base period earnings quarter by quarter and made a simple spreadsheet showing exactly what I earned when, 2) I sent everything certified mail so they couldn't claim they "lost" my documents again, and 3) I kept detailed notes of every phone call including agent names and ID numbers. The hearing request someone mentioned above is crucial - even if your reconsideration goes through, having that hearing request on file puts legal pressure on them to actually review your case properly instead of just rubber-stamping another denial. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down. You earned those benefits and deserve them. The system is broken but you can still win if you're persistent and organized. 💪

Mason, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this mess. The same thing happened to me - they "miscalculated" my earnings and denied me even though I had clear paystubs showing I made over $4,000 in my base period. The stress is absolutely horrible and I totally get the physical symptoms you're experiencing. What finally got mine resolved was using a combination of approaches: I filed both a Request for Reconsideration AND a Request for Hearing at the same time (like others mentioned), but what really made the difference was using claimyr.com to actually get through to a specialist who could fix it in real time. I was skeptical at first but after 3 weeks of getting nowhere with regular calls, I got a callback in about 45 minutes and the agent corrected my wage calculation during the call. My payments started within 4 days. Document everything you're doing - every call, every form you send, every interaction. Send your reconsideration documents certified mail so they can't claim they lost them again. And don't let them gaslight you - you KNOW what you earned, and you have the paystubs to prove it. You're going to get through this. The system is designed to make you give up, but you have rights and you've earned those benefits. Stay strong! 💪

I'm on my third unemployment claim in 5 years due to company closures and layoffs. Never had any issues with NYS Department of Labor questioning the frequency. As long as you lost your job through no fault of your own and meet the work/wage requirements, you're good to file.

Your coworker might have been thinking of the requalification requirements rather than a waiting period between claims. In NY, if you received benefits and then returned to work but didn't earn enough to establish a new benefit year, you might have to wait. But since you've been working full-time for 18 months, you should have more than enough earnings to qualify for a fresh claim. The key is having sufficient wages in your base period - and with steady full-time work, that shouldn't be an issue. Good luck with your claim!

UGH the whole system is so slow and frustrating!! I've been waiting 8 weeks for my determination and I'm about to lose my apartment. Why does everything with NYS Department of Labor take FOREVER?? This is supposed to be emergency assistance but by the time they approve anything you're already homeless!

I'm going through something similar right now - submitted my claim 5 weeks ago after my company had layoffs and still waiting on determination. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor is dealing with high volume right now which is causing delays. One thing that helped me was creating an online account on their website to track my claim status more easily. You can also submit additional documentation there if needed. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job search activities just in case they ask for them later. Hang in there - the waiting is definitely stressful but it sounds like your case should be straightforward since you have the store closure documentation.

Just want to add that you'll need to start doing job searches right away as part of your weekly claims. Keep good records of where you apply because NYS Department of Labor can ask for your job search log at any time. Don't slack on this part even though you're dealing with the stress of the closure.

Sorry to hear about your company shutting down - that's really tough! Just wanted to mention that when you file your claim, you might also want to ask about any additional programs NYS offers for workers affected by business closures. Sometimes there are retraining programs or extended benefits available. Also, if your employer owes you any final wages or unused vacation time, make sure to collect that separately from unemployment - it won't affect your UI eligibility but you want to get what you're owed before they close completely.

just make sure she files right away! there's no waiting period for being older but you lose benefits for every week you don't file after becoming unemployed

This is really helpful information everyone! Just to add - your neighbor should also know that in New York, unemployment benefits can be collected for up to 26 weeks (though this can be extended during certain economic conditions). Since she's 67, she might also want to check if her employer offered any severance package that could affect the timing of when she starts receiving UI benefits. Also, the weekly benefit amount is based on her earnings history, so her part-time work over the past 3 years will determine how much she receives. The sooner she applies, the better - she can do it online at labor.ny.gov which might be easier than calling.