I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and wanted to share what I've learned about the work search requirements. The 3 activities per week is correct, but make sure you're being strategic about it. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with company names, positions applied for, dates, and method of contact. One thing that really helped me was mixing different types of activities - I do 2 job applications and 1 networking activity each week (like reaching out to former colleagues or attending virtual industry meetups). Also, if you're having trouble finding enough suitable positions to apply for, consider expanding your search slightly outside your immediate area or looking into remote opportunities. The key is showing genuine effort to find work while being realistic about your qualifications and the current job market.

Great question about the work search requirements! I went through this same confusion when I first started collecting benefits. The 3 activities per week is correct, and applying through Indeed definitely counts as long as you're keeping detailed records. I learned the hard way that you really need to document everything - I use a simple notebook with columns for date, company name, position, and how I applied (online, in-person, etc.). One tip that helped me meet the requirement more easily: don't just focus on online applications. Attending virtual job fairs, reaching out to your network, or even visiting company websites to submit applications directly all count toward your 3 activities. The NYS DOL website also has some good resources about what qualifies. Just make sure whatever you're doing shows you're genuinely trying to find work in your field or related areas. Good luck with your search!

UPDATE: My payment just hit my account! So it was definitely just the holiday delay. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

Same thing happened to me last holiday weekend - was stressed for nothing! For anyone new to this, it's worth bookmarking the NYSDOL website calendar that shows processing delays for holidays. They don't always advertise it well but the info is there if you know where to look. Glad everyone's payments are coming through!

I just want to say how incredibly helpful this entire discussion has been! I'm a newcomer to this community but stumbled across this thread while researching my own unemployment denial situation. The way everyone has broken down the A02 code, base period calculations, and alternate base period options is absolutely amazing - this is the kind of clear, practical information that should be provided upfront by NYS DOL but sadly isn't. I'm bookmarking this thread and will definitely be following the step-by-step approach outlined here: requesting the wage transcript, filing a written appeal within 30 days with specific requests for alternate base period consideration, and using that direct phone number (1-888-209-8124) for follow-up. It's so reassuring to see multiple success stories from people who got approved on appeal after initially being denied with A02 codes. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative discussion - you're helping so many people navigate this confusing system!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who recently went through the unemployment appeals process in NY - this thread is absolutely incredible for breaking down what can be such a confusing and stressful situation! I was denied initially with a different code (A11 - voluntary quit), but the appeal process advice here is spot on regardless of the denial reason. A few additional tips from my experience: 1) When you file your appeal, consider sending it both online through your NY.gov account AND by certified mail to have a paper trail, 2) If you have any pay stubs or W-2s that show wages during your base period, include copies with your appeal as supporting documentation, and 3) Don't be afraid to mention any special circumstances in your appeal letter (like if you were a new worker, had gaps in employment due to health issues, etc.). The hearing officers are actually pretty understanding when you explain your situation clearly. Also want to echo what others said about not giving up - I know several people who were initially denied but got approved after appeal. The system definitely has flaws, but there are people working within it who want to help eligible claimants get their benefits. Ella, you've got this!

Just to add - make sure you understand the difference between state unemployment and federal unemployment taxes too. Even if you don't pay state unemployment on yourself, you still might have other tax obligations depending on your business structure and income level.

Great point about federal vs state taxes! As someone who just went through setting up my own LLC last year, I learned this the hard way. Even though I don't pay state unemployment on myself as a single-member LLC, I still had to deal with federal self-employment taxes and quarterly estimated payments. The IRS and NYS Department of Labor have completely different requirements, which adds another layer of confusion. Definitely recommend talking to a tax professional early on to avoid surprises at tax time.

I've been collecting unemployment from NYS Department of Labor for about 5 months now and have Discover Bank. My deposits consistently hit around 2:15 AM on Wednesday mornings - it's been super reliable! What I've found is that Discover tends to process ACH transfers a bit earlier than some traditional banks, which has been nice for peace of mind. Like everyone else mentioned, the key is checking your NYS unemployment account Tuesday evening to make sure it shows "payment released" - that's your confirmation the money is on its way. I learned the hard way not to schedule any urgent payments before 6 AM Wednesday, even though my deposit almost always comes much earlier. One week there was a system glitch somewhere and it didn't hit until almost 7 AM, so that buffer time really saved me from overdraft fees! The NYS Department of Labor has been pretty dependable once you get into their rhythm. For anyone new to this, just remember the money is processed Tuesday night but doesn't actually appear until the overnight banking window Wednesday morning.

I've been collecting unemployment from NYS Department of Labor for about 3 months now and have American Express Personal Savings (which uses ACH from other banks). My deposits consistently hit around 3:00 AM on Wednesday mornings - really reliable timing! What I learned is that even though different banks have slightly different processing windows, they all seem to handle the overnight ACH transfers between 2-6 AM Wednesday. The most important thing is checking your NYS unemployment account Tuesday evening to confirm it shows "payment released" - that's your green light that the money is coming overnight. For bill planning, I always wait until I can actually see the deposit Wednesday morning before making any payments, even though the timing has been super consistent. One thing that surprised me initially was how the NYS Department of Labor website updates to show "payment processed" on Tuesday, but the actual money doesn't appear until early Wednesday during the bank's overnight batch processing. Once you understand this timing pattern, it becomes really predictable and much less stressful!