Just apply anyway! The worst they can do is say no, and you might be surprised. I thought I didn't have enough earnings from my seasonal job but apparently working at different places in different quarters still counts toward your total. Don't overthink it.

@Keisha Williams - You can find your base period quarters by looking at when you file your claim. If you file today, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. The NYS DOL website has a tool under "Unemployment Insurance" > "File a Claim" that shows your exact base period dates. You can also log into your online account once you start the application process to see your wage history. Don't worry about having every single pay stub - they usually have your wage information from employers already, but it's good to have some records just in case there are discrepancies.

Wait so there's only 30 days? That seems really short especially if you're trying to gather more evidence or figure out what went wrong in your first appeal.

Just want to add that when you file your Appeals Board appeal, make sure to clearly explain why you think the hearing officer made an error in their decision. Focus on legal or procedural issues rather than just disagreeing with the outcome. I've seen people get better results when they can point to specific parts of unemployment law that weren't applied correctly or if proper procedures weren't followed during the hearing. Good luck with your appeal!

Similar thing happened to me except it was after I used all my sick time for COVID. Got fired two weeks later for 'not being a team player' whatever that means. Filed anyway and got approved after they investigated. The employer tried to contest but couldn't prove actual misconduct.

This is definitely worth pursuing - the timing after your FMLA return is highly suspicious and could indicate retaliation, which is illegal. When you file your unemployment claim, be very detailed about the timeline: when you took FMLA, when you returned, and exactly when they terminated you. Also mention that your previous performance reviews were positive. NYS Department of Labor takes potential FMLA retaliation seriously during their investigation. Even if your employer contests the claim saying it was for "performance issues," the burden will be on them to prove it was legitimate misconduct and not related to your protected leave. Keep copies of everything and don't let them intimidate you - you have rights here.

Just wanted to add that you should also gather any documentation about the budget cuts or layoffs from your school district if possible. When I filed after my position was eliminated, having an official letter from HR explaining the reason for non-renewal really helped speed up the process. Also, don't forget that you can start looking for work in other districts while collecting - unemployment benefits are meant to support you during your job search, not just sit around waiting. Good luck with your application!

I'm a substitute teacher who just got notified that my district won't be offering me a permanent position next year, so I'm in a similar situation. From what I've read on the NY Department of Labor website, the key factor is whether you have "reasonable assurance" of employment for the next school year. Since your contract wasn't renewed due to budget cuts, you definitely don't have that assurance, which should make you eligible. I'd recommend applying sooner rather than later since there can be a waiting period before benefits start. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search efforts since they'll ask about that in your weekly certifications.

I'm in a similar situation right now - been waiting 8 days since they told me my claim was on priority status. Reading all these responses is both helpful and terrifying lol. Sounds like it really varies wildly from person to person. I've been checking my payment history obsessively too but still nothing. At least now I know to also check messages and maybe try calling back to confirm the priority flag is actually there. The idea of contacting my assembly person's office is interesting - never thought of that approach. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps to know I'm not alone in this nightmare!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got the "priority status" call 4 days ago and have been refreshing my account nonstop since then. It's so frustrating not having any real timeline - they just say "soon" which could mean anything apparently. Reading everyone's experiences here shows how all over the place it really is. Some people get paid in 3 days, others wait weeks for the same issue. I'm going to try that tip about calling back to confirm the priority flag is actually on my account - the idea that reps might just say that to get you off the phone is both infuriating and totally believable. Also bookmarking the assembly person idea for if this drags on. Thanks for posting this question - at least we know we're not suffering alone in this broken system!