If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check your eligibility, I recently used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was super helpful when I needed to verify my wage history before filing my claim.

Just make sure if layoffs do happen that it's actually a layoff and not a firing for cause, because that makes a huge difference for eligibility. Even if you have enough wages, you can still be disqualified if you're terminated for misconduct.

Make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities. Even if regular benefits end, having good documentation might help if any new programs become available. Also, some people don't realize they might qualify for other assistance programs through the state.

I'm in a similar situation and just found out that you can check your exact benefit year end date by logging into your NY.gov account and looking under "Payment History" - it shows when your claim was established and the benefit year end date. Mine runs out next month too and I'm stressed about it. From what I've read, there aren't any federal extensions right now like there were during COVID, so we're pretty much on our own after 26 weeks unless the unemployment rate spikes dramatically.

The NYS Department of Labor system is so unnecessarily complicated with this stuff. You'd think taking a job would be straightforward but no, they have to make it confusing with all these formulas and requirements. At least you found out before starting work instead of after - I've seen people get overpayment notices because they didn't report earnings correctly.

Congrats on getting the job offer! Just want to add that you should also keep track of your hours worked each week, not just earnings. NYS Department of Labor considers you "partially unemployed" if you work less than 4 days in a week OR earn less than your weekly benefit amount. The key is being completely honest on your weekly certification - report every penny you earn and every hour you work. Also, make sure your part-time employer knows you're collecting benefits so they can provide any documentation you might need if questions come up later.

Since you've been waiting so long, make sure you're documenting everything. Keep a log of all your call attempts (dates/times), take screenshots of your pending claim status, and save any communications. If there's eventually a favorable resolution, you should be entitled to all backdated payments, but having documentation helps if there's any dispute about how long you've been trying to resolve this. Also, when you do finally reach someone, get their employee ID or first name and last initial for your records.

Just checking back - any progress with your claim? Did you try any of the suggested methods to reach a representative?

Pro tip: if u do get someone on the phone, be SUPER nice to them no matter how frustrated u are. these agents deal with angry people all day. when i finally got thru the lady was so relieved i wasnt yelling that she went above and beyond to help fix my issue.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year - stuck in "pending" hell for almost 2 months after getting laid off from my retail job. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I used the early morning calling strategy (7:58am sharp on Tuesdays/Wednesdays) AND contacted my assemblyperson's office as backup. The assemblyperson route took about a week but their unemployment liaison actually called me directly and got everything sorted. Also want to echo what others said about being super polite to the agents - they really do try to help when you're not screaming at them. Hang in there, I know it feels hopeless but you WILL get through this!