Wait, I'm confused about something related to this. If you own a business, don't you have to pay into the unemployment system as an employer? Or is that only if you have employees? I'm thinking about starting my own freelance work but want to understand all the implications first.

The whole system is so confusing and seems designed to keep people from getting help. I had my own business fail during covid and the hoops they made me jump through were ridiculous. Even when I qualified they kept questioning every little thing.

my cousin went through this exact thing. had to wait until she got a new job and worked for a few months before she could file a new claim. it sucks but thats how the system works i guess

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago. You definitely need to have worked and earned new wages since your benefit year started to qualify for a new claim. The earnings requirement Isabella mentioned is correct - $2,600 in your highest quarter plus total wages of at least 1.5 times that amount. I'd recommend checking your online account or calling to see what wage credits you have on file. Even if you don't qualify for regular UI right now, you might be eligible for other programs like SNAP or emergency assistance while you continue job searching. Don't give up - the job market is tough but there are resources available to help bridge the gap.

From what I understand, the key issue is the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment. If you're medically unable to work, you can't truthfully certify that you're able and available each week. I'd recommend contacting NYS Department of Labor directly to explain your medical situation and get official guidance before making any decisions about stopping or continuing your weekly claims.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and wanted to share what I learned from talking to a case worker. The timing of when you stop unemployment versus when you apply for disability matters a lot. You should stop certifying for unemployment benefits as soon as you know you're unable to work, not wait until disability is approved (which can take months). If there's any overlap period where you collected UI while unable to work, NYS Department of Labor can require you to pay it back even if it wasn't intentional. Also, make sure to keep documentation from your doctor about when your condition started affecting your ability to work - this helps establish the exact date you should have stopped claiming UI benefits.

try calling your state representative. sometimes they can help speed things up

I feel your pain @Liam Fitzgerald - the waiting week hit me hard too when I first filed. One thing that helped me was reaching out to local food banks and churches while waiting. Many have emergency assistance programs that can help with groceries or utility bills. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. The waiting week is awful but there are resources out there to help bridge the gap until that first payment comes through. Hang in there! 💪

you can also check your balance and transaction history by calling 1-866-295-2955 - sometimes the automated system shows pending deposits before they appear in the app

I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and here's what I've learned about the timing: The KeyBank card deposits are pretty consistent but there's always that nerve-wracking 24-48 hour window after the release date. In my experience, if your payment was released yesterday (Tuesday), you should definitely see it by Thursday morning at the latest. The first payment can sometimes take an extra day or two compared to regular weekly payments. I'd recommend checking the KeyBank app first thing tomorrow morning around 6-7am - that's when mine usually posts. If it's not there by Thursday afternoon, then I'd start making calls. Good luck with the rent situation, I know how stressful that waiting period can be! 🤞