wait so you can backdate unemployment?? i thought if you didn't file right away you were just screwed

I was in almost the exact same situation - lost my job in October and didn't file until February because I kept thinking "next week I'll find something." NYS DOL did approve my backdate request, but I only got about 60% of the weeks I requested. The adjudicator said my reason (expecting to find work quickly) was understandable but not considered "good cause" for the entire period. Still, getting partial backpay was better than nothing! My advice: file immediately and gather any evidence you have of job searching activities from September onward - even informal networking or browsing job boards counts as active search if you can document it somehow.

This just happened to my cousin too! She was totally blindsided when her effective days hit zero. What really helped her was calling first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - she got through after about an hour of waiting instead of the usual all-day busy signals. The agent told her that since she had worked a retail job for about 4 months during her benefit year, she qualified for a new claim but the weekly amount would be based on those recent earnings, not her original job. Also, make sure you keep certifying weekly even while your new claim is being processed - sometimes there can be a gap but they can backdate payments if you stay current with your certifications. The whole system really needs better communication about what happens when benefits end!

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! When your effective days hit zero, it means you've exhausted your regular UI benefits - typically after 26 weeks. The good news is that if you worked during your benefit year (like your part-time job), you might qualify for a new claim. A few tips from my experience: 1) Apply for the new claim online as soon as possible - don't wait for any official notification, 2) Your new weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your recent earnings, so it might be lower than before, 3) There's usually a processing gap where you won't receive payments while they review your new application, but keep certifying weekly anyway. The NY minimum weekly benefit is $104, and the maximum is $504 (as of 2025). With $4,000 earned in one quarter, you should qualify, though the exact amount depends on their calculation formula. I'd also recommend trying to call them early morning (8 AM sharp) - that's when I finally got through to confirm my eligibility. The whole process took about 10 days for me. Hang in there!

same boat here! was making about 55k and getting like 400 something a week. its tough but better than nothing i guess. make sure you file right away though because theres a waiting period

Just want to add some clarity on the base period calculation since there seems to be some confusion. Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in Q1 2025, your base period would be Q4 2023 through Q3 2024. The weekly benefit amount is calculated by taking your highest quarter earnings in that base period, dividing by 26, then that amount is roughly your weekly benefit (capped at $504). Also, there IS a one-week waiting period in NY, so your first payable week is actually your second week of unemployment. Make sure you continue certifying even during that waiting week or you could lose benefits later.

One thing to watch out for - if you quit your job you generally won't qualify unless it was for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment. Since you were laid off that shouldn't be an issue, but just mentioning it because some people don't realize quitting usually disqualifies you from benefits.

Good point about the layoff vs quitting distinction! @Kingston Bellamy since you mentioned you were laid off due to slow business, that definitely counts as being unemployed through no fault of your own, which is one of the key requirements. Just make sure when you file your claim that you accurately describe the reason for separation - "lack of work" or "reduction in force" are the typical codes they use for layoffs. Also, regarding your concern about caring for your mom - as long as you can demonstrate that you're available to work during normal business hours and can arrange care when needed, that shouldn't disqualify you. The key is showing you're genuinely seeking and available for employment.

To answer your question about mentioning the previous disqualification - you don't need to volunteer that information, but if they ask directly you should be honest. Focus on your current job loss and the fact that it was through no fault of your own. Make sure you have documentation from your employer about the layoff if possible.

I went through something similar a few years back. Got disqualified initially but was able to file a new claim when I got laid off from my next job. One thing that helped me was keeping all the paperwork from my layoff - the WARN notice, any emails about the company restructuring, etc. Having that documentation ready made the process smoother when they reviewed my claim. Also, don't stress too much about the previous disqualification - like others said, they really focus on your most recent job separation. Good luck!