try calling your local state representative! sometimes they can help speed things up

Hey OP, I went through this exact same nightmare last year. Here's what actually worked for me: First, file an appeal ASAP if you haven't already - you usually have 30 days from when you got the overpayment notice. Even if it's past the deadline, still try because sometimes they accept late appeals for good cause. Second, definitely request a hardship waiver like others mentioned. I had to show bank statements, rent receipts, utility bills, medical expenses - basically prove you can't afford basic necessities. They actually approved mine and wiped out the whole overpayment. Third, if all else fails, you can request a payment plan for like $25-50/month instead of them taking your whole refund. Way better than losing everything at once. Don't give up! The system sucks but there are ways to fight this. Document everything and keep calling/emailing until someone helps you.

mine always shows up next day even on weekends but sometimes not till late afternoon so don't panic if u don't see it right away

UPDATE: It's Saturday afternoon and the money just showed up on my Key Bank card! Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance. Such a relief to have this before rent is due on Monday.

yeah i did this when my restaurant cut everyone to like 15 hours a week during slow season. just make sure u file ur weekly claim every week even if u worked and report the exact amount u made. they'll figure out the rest

I was in a similar situation last year when my hours got slashed at a clothing store. The partial unemployment really helped bridge the gap! One thing I'd add is to apply as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting week before benefits start. Also, keep detailed records of your work schedule and pay stubs - NYS Department of Labor might ask for verification. The online filing system is pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application. Hang in there, it does get easier to manage once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims!

All the pandemic extra $ is gone. UI just went back to what it was before - your regular weekly benefit amount. Keep certifying like normal. Nothing else changes.

Just went through this exact same situation last month! The $300 federal boost (FPUC) ended September 5th nationwide - it's not just you. Your regular NY state unemployment benefits continue as normal, so just keep doing your weekly certifications. No need to file a new claim unless your benefit year expires (which would be around April 2024 for you since you started in April 2023). The NY DOL website is terrible at explaining this stuff clearly, but you're doing everything right. Hang in there!

One important thing to note: while your employer doesn't pay 50% of your benefits directly, they DO receive notices about your claim and can contest it. If they believe you shouldn't qualify (if they claim you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct), they can appeal your claim. That's why it's important to be truthful about your separation reason when you file. The employer can see THAT you filed, just not the exact weekly amount you receive.

Just wanted to add that I went through this same confusion when I first applied! The way unemployment funding works is actually pretty logical once you understand it - think of it like insurance. Employers pay premiums (unemployment taxes) into a big pool, and when people need benefits, they're paid from that pool. Your employer's "premium" might go up if they have a lot of claims, but they're not directly paying your weekly check. It's similar to how car insurance works - you pay premiums, but the insurance company pays claims, not you directly. Hope that helps clarify things!