Make sure you keep all your WARN pay documentation! NYS Department of Labor will want to see the dates and amounts when they review your claim. Also don't forget you still need to do the job search activities during the WARN period even though you're not getting UI benefits yet.

Just went through this myself when my company closed last month. The key thing to understand is that WARN pay essentially "pushes back" when your unemployment benefits start, but it doesn't affect the total amount you're eligible for. Think of it as the state saying "you're still technically employed during those 60 days even though you're not working." I know it feels unfair, but filing immediately is still the right move because there can be delays in processing, and you want everything ready to go when that WARN period ends. Also, double-check if your employer is paying into the state system during those 60 days - that can affect things too.

definitely document EVERYTHING. dates times what was said who was there. i learned that the hard way when i tried to appeal my denial. also make sure you keep applying for jobs while your claim is being reviewed because they'll want to see your job search log either way

I went through something very similar with NYS Department of Labor about 6 months ago. Quit due to a hostile supervisor who was creating an unsafe work environment. The key thing that helped my case was keeping a detailed journal of incidents - dates, what happened, any witnesses present. I also had my doctor write a letter specifically stating that my work environment was contributing to my anxiety and recommending I remove myself from the situation for my health. It took about 8 weeks for them to make a decision, but I was approved. The medical documentation was crucial - make sure your doctor's notes specifically connect your health issues to the work environment, not just general stress. Also, if you ever complained to management about the conditions (even informally), try to get that documented somehow. Good luck!

Just wanted to say I was in a similar situation last year and it worked out fine. The application process seems overwhelming but it's really not that bad once you start. Make sure you have your employment history ready with dates and employer info.

I just went through this process myself a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. Beyond the basic eligibility requirements others mentioned, I'd suggest gathering all your employment documents before you start - W-2s, pay stubs, and exact dates of employment for all jobs in the past 18 months. Also, start thinking about your job search strategy now because you'll need to begin those 3 weekly activities right after filing. One tip: create a simple spreadsheet to track your work search activities from day one - include company name, position, how you applied, and date. It makes the weekly certifications much easier and you'll be prepared if they audit your claim later.

I feel u... system is straight garbage rn. took me 3 weeks to fix my account 🤮

Been through this exact same nightmare with my brother's account last month. Here's what finally worked for us: Call the 800-833-3000 tech line first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - way better chance of getting through. Have EVERYTHING ready: SSN, old passwords, security questions, phone numbers they have on file, etc. If the reset tool on ny.gov isn't working, it's usually because there's a security flag on the account. Only phone support can clear that. Pro tip: if you get disconnected (happens all the time), immediately call back and tell them you got cut off - they can sometimes see the previous call attempt and fast track you. The Bronx career center on 149th is nice but yeah they literally can't touch account issues - learned that the hard way 😅 Hang in there! Once you get the right person on the phone it takes like 10 minutes to fix.

Whatever you do, don't just walk out. Try to get them to fire you instead if possible. Much easier to get UI benefits when you're terminated versus when you quit, even with good cause.

I went through something similar with a toxic supervisor cutting my hours unpredictably. When I filed for unemployment after quitting, I had to attend a phone hearing where they asked detailed questions about each incident. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I had screenshots of my schedule changes, 2) I wrote down specific dates when I was sent home early, and 3) I had a coworker who witnessed the verbal abuse. The NYS Department of Labor approved my claim for "constructive dismissal" since the working conditions became intolerable. Start documenting everything now - even write down what happened yesterday with the screaming incident while it's fresh in your memory. Include the date, time, what was said, and who witnessed it.