I was in a similar situation about 6 months ago and successfully got unemployment benefits after quitting due to workplace harassment. One thing that really helped my case was keeping a written record of every incident - I actually started emailing myself detailed summaries after each confrontation so there would be timestamps. When I filed with NYS Department of Labor, I also included screenshots of the company's employee handbook sections about respectful workplace treatment that my supervisor was clearly violating. The adjudication process took about 3 weeks, but having all that documentation made the difference. Also, when you do quit, make sure to state in your resignation that it's due to the hostile work environment - don't just say you're leaving for "personal reasons" or they might question your good cause claim later.

I'm sorry you're going through this - workplace bullying is serious and can definitely qualify as good cause for unemployment benefits in NY. Based on what others have shared, I'd recommend a few immediate steps: 1) Start documenting everything NOW - write down past incidents with as much detail as you can remember (dates, times, witnesses), 2) Save those text messages from coworkers and ask if they'd be willing to provide written statements, 3) Check your employee handbook for harassment policies your manager is violating, and 4) Even though your store doesn't have HR, consider sending an email to the district manager documenting the issues - this creates a paper trail showing you tried to address it internally. When you do resign, be clear that it's due to the hostile work environment. The fact that your manager is verbally abusing you in front of customers and calling you names creates a strong case for constructive discharge. Don't let anyone convince you that retail work "just involves difficult managers" - what you're describing crosses the line into workplace harassment.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE! I've been filing these stupid quarterly reports for 3 years and they STILL send me penalty notices for no reason. Half the time their own website doesn't work properly during filing season. And don't get me started on trying to reach anyone by phone - it's like they don't want employers to actually comply with the law!

Also worth noting that if you have employees working in multiple states, you'll need to file separate quarterly reports for each state. New York only covers wages paid to employees working in NY. Make sure you're calculating the taxable wage base correctly too - for 2025, it's the first $12,300 of each employee's annual wages. The tax rate varies depending on your experience rating, but new employers typically start around 4.1%. Keep detailed payroll records because NYS Department of Labor can audit up to 4 years back.

Ugh, same exact thing happening to me! Been trying since Sunday and the site just keeps crashing or giving me that "request cannot be processed" error. Really stressing me out because I have bills due this week too. The fact that this happens EVERY month is just unacceptable - how are we supposed to survive when their ancient system can't handle basic traffic? Going to try some of the suggestions here like using Firefox and trying at weird hours. If that doesn't work I might have to look into that claimyr service people are mentioning. This whole situation is just ridiculous.

This is absolutely maddening! I've been dealing with the same certification nightmare since Sunday. Tried every browser, cleared cache, even borrowed my friend's computer thinking it was my device. Nothing works! The site either times out completely or gives me that useless "technical difficulties" message. I'm supposed to get my payment today and now I'm panicking about making rent. Called 47 times yesterday and either got busy signals or sat on hold for over an hour before getting disconnected. How is this even legal? We depend on these benefits to survive and their system fails us every single week. I'm honestly at my breaking point with NYSDOL's incompetence. Going to try the late night approach tonight but if that doesn't work I might have to look into some of these third-party services people are mentioning just to talk to an actual human being.

The NYS Department of Labor wage determination process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. They're calculating your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter in the base period. If you had any issues with unreported wages or worked for employers who went out of business, that can delay things. But in most cases it's just verification.

I went through wage determination about 6 months ago and it took exactly 2 weeks for me. What helped was that I kept all my pay stubs and had my employment dates ready when I first filed. The NYS Department of Labor will also look at any severance pay you received - that might affect your benefit start date but won't reduce your weekly amount. Just be patient, Omar, since you worked for the same company for 3 years your wage history should be pretty straightforward to verify.

I work in HR and deal with this stuff all the time. Your claim number is definitely in the initial filing confirmation - it's required by law that they provide it. If you truly can't find any documentation, NYS Department of Labor can verify your identity over the phone using your SSN, full name, and address to look up your claim. The key is actually getting through to speak with someone, which I know is the main challenge right now.

Have you tried checking your text messages? When I filed my claim, NYS Department of Labor sent me a confirmation text with my claim number right after I submitted the application. It might be buried in your message history if you haven't deleted it. Also, if you have a case worker assigned to your claim, sometimes their contact info includes your claim number in their email signature or voicemail messages.