DON'T FORGET TO FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS! I missed one week because I thought since I was approved the payments would just come automatically. WRONG. Had to call and explain and it was a nightmare. You have to certify every single week that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

The first payment usually takes longer than the rest, mine took almost two weeks but after that it was pretty regular. Make sure you have all your job search documentation ready too because they can audit you at any time.

wait so if I understand this right - if I get laid off again next year I'd have to wait a whole year before I can file for another 26 weeks? or can you file again right away if you worked enough after your last claim?

Just wanted to add that you should also keep in mind that NY has a "waiting week" - the first week you file usually doesn't get paid, but it does count toward establishing your claim. So even though you get 26 weeks of payments, you'll actually be filing for 27 weeks total. Also, make sure you're keeping detailed records of your job search activities from day one because they can ask for that information at any time during your claim period. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log after week 10 and I had to scramble to reconstruct everything.

This whole system is a mess. They make it so confusing on purpose so people don't claim what they're owed. I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and still don't have clear answers about my eligibility.

I'm in a similar situation - working in hospitality and my hours got cut from full-time to about 15 hours a week. I was scared to file because I thought you had to be completely unemployed, but after reading these responses I'm definitely going to apply for partial benefits. @Liam Mendez - from what I've researched, you do still need to do job search activities even on partial unemployment, but the requirements might be reduced since you're still working. You should check the specific requirements when you file your claim. Don't wait like I did!

Just wanted to add that even if you get approved for backdating, you'll still need to certify for each of those weeks. Make sure you have your job search records ready for the backdated period too, since NYS Department of Labor requires proof you were actively looking for work during those weeks.

I went through this exact situation last year and was able to get 3 weeks backdated. The key is being prepared when you file - have your last day of work documented, any severance information, and be ready to explain the delay. I mentioned that I was dealing with the shock of losing my job and didn't realize I needed to file immediately. NYS Department of Labor accepted that reasoning. Just be honest about your circumstances and don't overthink it. The worst they can say is no to the backdating, but you'll still get benefits going forward. File as soon as possible though - the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to justify the delay.

Wait so if I just started a really good paying job but only worked there 2 months before getting laid off, my unemployment would be based on my old crappy job from last year?? That seems unfair

I went through this same confusion when I first applied! What really helped me understand it was looking at my wage transcript on the NYS DOL website. They break down each quarter and show exactly which employers reported what wages. In your case with the restaurant jobs, if you were working multiple places during the same quarters, those wages all get added together for that period. So even though your most recent job paid more per hour, if your highest total quarterly earnings were from when you were working at the $15/hour place (maybe working more hours or overtime), that would be what determines your benefit amount. The system is definitely not intuitive but once you see the actual numbers it makes more sense.