


Ask the community...
just wanted to add that you should apply as soon as you're separated from work, even if you're not sure if you'll qualify. the worst they can say is no but at least you'll get in the system and start the process
I went through something similar with my anxiety and panic disorder. One thing that really helped my case was getting a detailed letter from my psychiatrist that specifically mentioned how my work environment was exacerbating my condition and that continuing to work there would be harmful to my recovery. NYS Department of Labor seems to take it more seriously when the medical professional explicitly connects your mental health condition to your inability to continue in that specific job. Also, if you do decide to quit, make sure you phrase it as "constructive dismissal" if your employer was unwilling to accommodate your disability - this can sometimes be treated more like a termination than a voluntary quit. The process is stressful but don't let that discourage you from applying if you truly need the support.
This is really helpful advice! The "constructive dismissal" angle is something I hadn't considered. My employer basically said they couldn't make any accommodations and that I needed to "just deal with it" when I brought up my anxiety. That sounds like it could qualify as them being unwilling to accommodate my disability. Did you have to get a lawyer involved or were you able to navigate the constructive dismissal claim on your own through NYS Department of Labor?
@ec8bf9e37cd4 That's exactly the kind of documentation that made the difference in my case too! I'd also suggest keeping a journal of specific incidents where your anxiety was triggered at work and how your employer responded (or failed to respond) to your requests for help. NYS Department of Labor reviewers seem to want concrete examples rather than general statements about workplace stress. The more detailed your timeline and the clearer the connection between your work environment and your mental health deterioration, the stronger your case will be. It's definitely worth the effort to document everything properly upfront rather than trying to reconstruct it later during the appeals process.
been using chime for my UI payments since i lost my job in march, works perfectly fine!! no issues at all and like someone said you sometimes get paid early which is nice when bills are due
Just be careful with any online bank and unemployment. I had issues with another online bank where they flagged large deposits as suspicious and froze my account for a week. Made sure to call Chime first to let them know I'd be getting regular unemployment deposits before I switched over.
That's actually good advice. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your unemployment money getting delayed.
@Zainab Ibrahim That s'really smart thinking! Did you just call their customer service line to give them a heads up? I want to make sure I do this right when I switch over to avoid any account freezes.
Just remember the money is taxable! Found that out the hard way when I filed my taxes. You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.
Thanks for all this info everyone! I'm actually in a similar boat - been working in customer service for about 2 years making around $45K. One thing I'm wondering about is the waiting period. I heard there might be a one-week waiting period before benefits start? Also, does anyone know if they verify employment with your previous employer right away, or does that happen later in the process? Want to make sure I have realistic expectations for timing.
wait so if i got fired in august but never filed can i still get unemployment now??? i thought i missed my chance completely
Just wanted to add that when you file online at labor.ny.gov, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months ready. You'll also need your employer's information including their address and phone number. The online system is usually the fastest way to file, and you can do it 24/7. If you worked multiple jobs in the past year, you'll need info for all of them since they determine your benefit amount based on wages from multiple employers. Good luck with your claim!
Brady Clean
just keep filing ur weekly claims even if ur initial claim isnt approved yet thats what they told me to do
0 coins
Morgan Washington
Hey PrinceJoe, I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I lost my job at a hotel in Manhattan. 10 days is still within the normal range, though I totally understand the anxiety. My claim took about 16 days to get approved. The key thing is to make sure you're logging into your NY.gov account every day to check for any messages or requests for additional documentation. Sometimes they'll ask for proof of employment or other documents and if you miss that notification, it can add weeks to your processing time. Also, definitely start filing your weekly claims now even though your initial claim is still pending - that's what the system expects you to do.
0 coins