Just wanted to add that when you file for partial unemployment, make sure you understand how the earnings deduction works. In NY, they use a formula where they subtract 25% of your weekly earnings from your benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit is $200 and you earn $100 that week, you'd get $175 in unemployment ($200 - 25% of $100). This is different from some other states that have a straight dollar-for-dollar reduction. Also, keep detailed records of all your hours and pay stubs - you'll need them for your weekly certifications and potentially for any audits later.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm in a similar situation where my hours at a retail store got cut from 32 to about 15 hours per week. Reading about the 25% earnings deduction formula really clarifies things - I was worried that working any hours would completely cancel out unemployment benefits. It sounds like it's definitely worth applying since I'm working less than 4 days now. One question though - if my schedule is inconsistent week to week (sometimes 12 hours, sometimes 20), do I just report whatever I actually earned that specific week when I file my weekly claim? And does anyone know if there's a minimum number of hours you need to have worked before the reduction to qualify for partial benefits?

Anyone else notice that unemployment is literally IMPOSSIBLE to contact but they somehow manage to find you within seconds if they think you owe them money? 🤡

Thank you SO much for sharing this! I've been stuck in pending status for 6 weeks now and was starting to lose hope. I had no idea contacting state representatives was even an option. Just looked up my assemblyperson and state senator - planning to reach out to both offices first thing Monday morning. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but I'm grateful there's actually a way that works. Fingers crossed I get the same results you did!

Just want to add that even if you think you have good cause, there's no guarantee NYS Department of Labor will see it the same way. The adjudication process can be really subjective and you might end up fighting it for months. Make sure you have a backup plan for income if your claim gets denied initially.

Another thing to consider is that even with good cause, you'll need to meet all the other eligibility requirements too. You'll still need to be actively searching for work, available for full-time employment, and meet the monetary requirements based on your earnings history. With your hours already cut to 15/week, make sure you've earned enough in your base period to qualify for benefits. You can check your wage history on the NYS Department of Labor website before making any decisions.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone with similar problems, here's what worked: 1. I used Claimyr to get through to NYSDOL (took 1.5 hours instead of endless busy signals) 2. The agent connected me with their special ID.me support team 3. They found that my identity was linked to an old account created when I briefly looked into unemployment in 2023 but never completed an application 4. They unlinked my ID from the old account and reset my verification status 5. I had to go through ID.me verification again, but this time it worked perfectly Thank you everyone for your help! I should receive all my back payments within 3-5 business days.

Wow, what a journey! I'm dealing with a similar ID.me nightmare right now - been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of response from them. Your post gives me hope that there's actually a way through this mess. I had no idea about the Claimyr service or that NYSDOL has a special ID.me support team. Question for anyone who's been through this - when you finally get verified, do they automatically process all your missed weekly certifications, or do you have to go back and manually certify for each week you missed? I'm worried about losing weeks of benefits because of their broken system. Thanks Logan for sharing your resolution steps - I'm going to try the Claimyr route tomorrow!

good luck with the system... it's a nightmare to navigate and they make you jump through hoops constantly. at least you qualify though, that's the main thing

I went through this process last year after a layoff. One thing I wish I had known earlier - make sure you file your weekly certification by the deadline (usually Sunday night) or you'll miss that week's payment entirely. Also, keep copies of everything you submit because the system sometimes glitches and loses information. The good news is that once you get into the routine, it becomes pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the weekly requirements and document everything!