Just wanted to say I'm in the same boat with the processing delays. It's frustrating not knowing what's normal vs what's a problem.

I work with labor statistics and can confirm the numbers Jamal mentioned are pretty accurate. The NYS Department of Labor publishes their Labor Market Report monthly - you can find it under "Research and Statistics" on their website. As of the latest report, continuing claims (people actively collecting) were around 380,000 statewide. But keep in mind this includes all types of UI benefits. The processing delays you're experiencing are unfortunately common right now - the department has acknowledged staffing shortages in their adjudication units. Three weeks isn't unusual, though I know that doesn't make it less stressful when you're waiting.

wait but what if the company doesn't actually call you back? my buddy got 'seasonally laid off' and they never brought him back even though they said they would

Just wanted to add - make sure you keep records of your layoff date and any communication from your employer about the seasonal nature and expected return date. NYS DOL may ask for documentation to verify it's truly seasonal and not a permanent separation. Also, if you have any side skills like snow removal or indoor renovation work, you might be able to pick up some temporary income while collecting benefits, just make sure to report any earnings on your weekly certifications.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful. My work environment became toxic and triggered panic attacks that made it impossible to function. I've been hesitant to file for unemployment because I wasn't sure if mental health would be taken seriously, but reading about @Liam McConnell's success gives me hope. For anyone else going through this - please don't suffer in silence. Mental health is health, period. The system should support people who need time to heal, not punish them for seeking help. I'm planning to start gathering documentation from my therapist this week. We deserve to get better without facing financial ruin.

I want to add some practical advice based on what I've learned from researching this topic. When you're preparing your documentation, make sure your mental health provider specifically addresses how your condition impacts your ability to perform your job functions - not just that you have anxiety/depression. The NYS DOL needs to see the connection between your mental health condition and your work capacity. Also, if you do decide to quit, try to frame it as "constructive discharge" if your employer failed to provide reasonable accommodations after you disclosed your mental health needs. Keep detailed records of any conversations with HR or your supervisor about your condition. The appeals process exists for a reason, so don't be discouraged if you get an initial denial. Many mental health-related claims are approved on appeal once all the documentation is properly reviewed.

I can understand the confusion - there's definitely a lot of outdated information floating around about unemployment benefits. As others have mentioned, the $600 FPUC was a temporary COVID-era benefit that ended years ago. Currently, your NYS Department of Labor benefit is calculated based on your work history and that's what you'll receive. If you need help with other aspects of your claim or have questions about eligibility, the NYS DOL website has a good FAQ section, though I know it can be hard to navigate sometimes. Hang in there!

I went through the same confusion when I first started collecting benefits! It's really frustrating how many outdated articles pop up when you search for unemployment info. Just to echo what others have said - your $420/week is your current benefit amount and there's no additional federal money right now. One tip that helped me: bookmark the official NYS DOL website and try to get info directly from there rather than random news articles. The system automatically calculates your weekly benefit, so you don't need to do anything special to get what you're entitled to. Good luck with everything!

Yes, if you earn more than your weekly benefit amount plus $50, you get zero unemployment that week. So with a $504 benefit, if you earned over $554 in a week, no UI payment. But you can still certify and your claim stays active for the following week.

I've been driving for Uber while collecting UI for about 3 months now. A few things to keep in mind: 1) Track ALL your expenses (gas, car maintenance, phone mount, etc.) because you'll need them for taxes, 2) The $50 deduction Ravi mentioned is correct - it's called the "partial benefit credit", and 3) Consider driving during peak hours (Friday/Saturday nights, rush hour) to maximize your earnings in fewer hours. This way you can still dedicate most of your time to job searching. Also, keep detailed records of your job search activities because NYS Department of Labor can audit your work search requirements at any time.