I remember when I first filed in 2023, I was making about the same as you and my weekly benefit was around $275. But every situation is different depending on your work history and when you worked. The NYS Department of Labor looks at a specific base period - usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

Just went through this process myself last month! Based on your $52k salary, you're probably looking at somewhere between $250-300 per week, but it really depends on how your wages were distributed across quarters. The NYS DOL uses your "base period" which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file now, they'd look at Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. One thing that helped me was logging into the NYS DOL website and starting the application process - you can see your wage history and get an estimate before you actually submit the claim. Just don't hit "submit" until you're ready to officially file!

I'm going through something very similar right now - suspended without pay for 6 days while they investigate some customer service complaints. This thread has been incredibly helpful! I was hesitant to file because I wasn't sure if I qualified, but reading everyone's experiences has given me the confidence to move forward. It's clear that unpaid suspension does qualify for unemployment benefits in NY as long as you're honest about the situation. I'm planning to file this week and will follow all the great advice here - be transparent, select "temporarily laid off," document everything, and file ASAP to account for the waiting period. Thank you all for sharing your stories and creating such a supportive community for those of us navigating these stressful situations!

I just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact situation about 4 months ago. I was suspended without pay for 2.5 weeks while my employer investigated some inventory discrepancies. Like many others here, I was initially hesitant to file because I thought you had to be completely terminated to qualify. But after talking to a NYS DOL representative, I learned that unpaid suspension absolutely qualifies you for benefits since you're not receiving wages and are available for work. The application process was straightforward - I selected "temporarily laid off" and explained the suspension situation in the comments section. They did contact my employer to verify, but it was just a quick confirmation call. I was approved within about a week and started receiving benefits. When the investigation concluded (I was cleared) and I returned to work, closing the claim was simple - I just reported my return date and first paycheck. My advice: file immediately, be completely honest, keep all documentation from your employer, and don't stress about the employer verification process. The system is designed to handle these situations and the staff are generally very helpful once you get through to them.

I went through this in January. After ID.me AND uploading employment docs, it still took about 10 days before payments started. The maximum payable amount just sits there taunting you until they release it lol. Hang in there.

Just want to add that if you're really strapped for cash while waiting, check if NY has any emergency assistance programs available. I know some people who got help through local food banks and utility assistance programs while their unemployment was stuck in processing. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you to local resources. It won't solve the unemployment issue but might help with immediate bills while you wait for this bureaucratic nightmare to sort itself out.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I should file the initial claim but expect complications during the treatment period. At least if I get approved initially, maybe I can resume benefits after completing the program when I'm actively job searching again.

I went through something similar last year. The key is how your employer coded the termination - since they said "attendance issues" rather than misconduct related to substance abuse, you have a better shot at getting approved initially. I was able to collect benefits before entering treatment, but had to stop filing while in the 30-day program since I couldn't meet the job search requirements. Once I completed treatment and was actively looking for work again, I resumed my claim without issues. The NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty understanding about the gap once I explained it was for medical treatment. Make sure to keep all your treatment documentation - it helped when I had to explain the interruption in my claim.

Hey Felicity! I can totally relate to that sinking feeling - I missed my certification once too and immediately went into panic mode. The stress of being unemployed makes it so easy to lose track of things, even important stuff like this. The good news is you're not out of luck! You should be able to backdate your certification through your NY DOL account. Look for "Weekly Certification" or "Claim Weekly Benefits" and there should be an option to select previous weeks. Sometimes it's buried in the menu, so don't give up if you don't see it right away. I believe you have until Saturday to certify for the previous week, so you still have some time! Your payment will probably be delayed by a few days, but you won't lose the week entirely. If you can't find the option online or run into any issues, calling might be your best bet despite the wait times. The reps are usually pretty understanding since this happens more often than you'd think. Don't be too hard on yourself - we're all human and these things happen, especially when you're dealing with stress. Set up some reminders for future weeks so this doesn't happen again! You've got this! 💪

Hey Felicity! I totally get that panic feeling - I missed my certification about 2 months ago when I was dealing with some personal stuff and completely forgot. That stomach-dropping moment when you realize what happened is the worst! Here's the good news: you're definitely not out of luck! You can still certify for last week through your NY DOL account. Look for "Weekly Certification" or "Claim Weekly Benefits" - there should be a dropdown where you can select previous weeks. The website can be a bit clunky to navigate, so don't worry if it takes some clicking around to find it. You typically have until Saturday night to certify for the missed week, so you still have time! Your payment will be delayed by a few days compared to your usual schedule, but you won't lose the benefits entirely - which was my biggest fear when it happened to me. If you can't find the option online or run into technical issues, calling is your backup plan. The hold times are brutal, but once you get through they can help you certify over the phone pretty quickly. After you get this sorted out, I'd definitely set up multiple reminders! I learned my lesson and now have a Sunday alarm on my phone plus I wrote "CERTIFY" on a sticky note that I put on my coffee maker. Sounds excessive but it works 😅 Don't beat yourself up about this - being unemployed is stressful enough without having to be perfect with every deadline. You're going to get through this! Let us know how it goes! 💙