Also make sure to keep detailed payroll records from day one! NYS Department of Labor will require quarterly wage reports that include each employee's name, social security number, and total wages paid. I learned this the hard way when I had to scramble to organize my records for my first quarterly filing. Setting up a good payroll system early will save you headaches later when you need to file your UI-3 quarterly reports.

For a small construction company, I'd recommend QuickBooks Payroll or Paychex Flex - both handle NYS requirements well and can automatically generate the reports you'll need for unemployment insurance filings. QuickBooks integrates nicely if you're already using their accounting software. Just make sure whatever system you choose can track prevailing wage rates if you plan to do any public works projects in NYC - that's a whole other compliance requirement for construction companies. The key is picking something that can grow with your business and handle both regular payroll and the specific reporting NYS Department of Labor requires.

I remember when I was on unemployment back in 2019, I had to document every job I applied for and why I didn't take certain positions. The whole process was so stressful but at least now with the online system it's easier to track everything. Just make sure you're honest about your job search efforts!

Based on my experience, the 80% rule mentioned earlier is generally accurate for the first 13 weeks of benefits. After that, NYS Department of Labor becomes more flexible with what they consider "suitable work." I'd recommend documenting everything - save job postings, note why you declined offers, and keep records of salary ranges you're seeing. Also, "suitable work" considers factors beyond just salary - commute distance, work schedule, and whether it matches your skills/experience. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's better to call and ask rather than guess wrong and risk your benefits.

Ok so this is gonna sound weird but you need to call at EXACTLY 8:02am (not 8:00, not 8:05) using the SECOND phone number on the website (not the main one). They have some weird call routing system and this specific time on that line has way less traffic. Worked for me after trying EVERYTHING else.

This is absolutely infuriating but you're not alone. I'm dealing with something similar - been pending for 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The system is completely broken. From reading all these comments, it sounds like there are a few options that actually work: 1) Contact your state assembly person/senator (they apparently have direct contacts at DOL), 2) Try that claimyr service that multiple people here vouched for, or 3) Keep trying the phone at exactly 8:02am like someone mentioned. I'm going to try contacting my state rep first since that's free, then maybe the claimyr thing if that doesn't work. Hang in there - sounds like once you actually reach a human they can fix these issues pretty quickly. The hard part is just getting through to someone!

Thanks everyone. I think I'll apply based on the restaurant job and see what happens. At least now I know how to report the DoorDash earnings properly if my claim gets approved.

Good luck with your application! Just wanted to add - when you report your DoorDash earnings, make sure to keep detailed records of your daily/weekly income since gig work can be so variable. NYS Department of Labor will want accurate numbers, and having good documentation will help if there are any questions later. Also remember that you need to be actively seeking traditional employment while collecting benefits, so keep applying for regular jobs too. The combination of partial benefits plus some DoorDash income might actually work out better than just doing gig work alone right now.

I completely understand your anxiety about this - it's natural to worry about burning bridges with a potential future employer. But here's the thing: unemployment benefits exist precisely for situations like yours. You were laid off through no fault of your own, and you have bills to pay while you look for work or wait for a potential callback. Any reasonable employer understands this reality. The fact that your manager mentioned a possible callback actually shows they value you as an employee, which means they're likely to be understanding about you needing to file for benefits in the meantime. Don't let fear of what someone might think prevent you from accessing the financial support you've earned and deserve. File that claim and take care of yourself first.

I totally get the anxiety about this! I was in a similar spot last year when my restaurant job had to let people go during the slow season. I kept putting off filing because I was worried about what my boss would think, especially since she said they'd probably bring me back when things picked up. But honestly, waiting cost me weeks of benefits I really needed. When I finally filed, nothing bad happened - my boss never even brought it up when they did call me back. The reality is that unemployment benefits are there for exactly this situation, and employers know that. Don't let worry about hypothetical future problems stop you from getting the help you need right now!