The key thing is being honest about your work capacity when you file. If you can do some type of work even with restrictions, mention that in your application. Don't try to game the system by claiming you're totally disabled for one program and totally able for another - they do cross-reference these things.

I went through something similar with a back injury from my job at a warehouse. What really helped me was getting a clear letter from my doctor that specified exactly what I could and couldn't do - like "can sit for 4 hours with breaks, no lifting over 10 lbs, no standing for extended periods." With that documentation, I was able to apply for unemployment because even though I couldn't do my regular warehouse job, I could potentially do office work or other seated positions. The NYS Department of Labor representative told me that as long as I was actively seeking work within my restrictions and my employer couldn't accommodate those restrictions, I qualified for benefits while my workers comp case was pending. Just make sure you're completely transparent about your limitations when you file - don't hide your injury but also don't oversell your disability if you can actually work in some capacity.

The unemployment system is such a mess though. Like why do they make it so hard to even file a simple claim? I spent THREE HOURS on the phone just trying to get someone to explain why my claim was taking so long.

@Isabella Ferreira You're absolutely right to be concerned about protecting your credit, but everyone here is correct - unemployment won't affect it at all! One thing I'd add is to make sure you file your weekly certifications on time once you get approved. Missing those can delay payments, and THAT could indirectly impact your credit if you can't make your other payments. Also, keep detailed records of your job search activities since NY requires you to be actively looking for work. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting those benefits you've already earned through your work history.

Just be careful about ATM fees!! I got hit with like $3 charges at random ATMs before I figured out the KeyBank ones are free. There's an app that shows you where the free ones are located.

I've been using my unemployment card for about 3 months now and it works pretty much everywhere. One tip - if you need cash, CVS and Walgreens usually allow cash back up to $35 with a purchase, even when grocery stores won't. Also, make sure to keep your receipts because sometimes transactions take a day or two to show up in your balance and you don't want to accidentally overdraft.

The whole NYS Department of Labor system is confusing as hell. They should just tell you exactly how they calculate everything instead of making you guess. I've been on unemployment twice and both times had to figure out the benefit amount thing on my own.

I went through this exact same confusion when I first filed! The key thing to understand is that NYS unemployment benefits are calculated based on your earnings during your "base period" (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). Your weekly benefit amount is roughly 50% of your average weekly wage during that period, up to the state maximum of $504 for 2025. With your $52K salary, $350 weekly sounds about right - that would be consistent with earning around $36K during your base period. The $600 amount people mention is likely leftover confusion from the federal FPUC payments that ended years ago. You can request a detailed benefit calculation from NYS Department of Labor if you want to verify the math, but your amount seems correct based on the standard formula.

Just checking back - any updates? Did you try calling yet? Curious if your experience is going smoother than mine did!

I had a withdrawal of determination for forfeit days back in December and wanted to share my timeline to help set expectations. Got the letter on Dec 3rd, called NYSDOL on Dec 10th (took 3 hours to get through), agent confirmed it was processing, and payments showed up on Dec 18th. The key thing is that when I called, the agent could see my account was flagged for "pending determination reversal" which meant it was actually in the system. If they can't see that flag when you call, that's when you know something is stuck and needs manual intervention. Definitely worth the hassle of getting through to an agent just for that peace of mind!