As someone who's completely new to the unemployment system, this thread has been such a valuable resource! I had absolutely no idea that per diem workers could qualify for benefits while still technically employed - I always thought you had to be completely laid off to be eligible. Reading through everyone's real experiences with NYS Department of Labor has been incredibly enlightening and much more helpful than trying to navigate the confusing official websites alone. The consistent advice I'm seeing about documenting every attempt to get shifts and being completely transparent about your situation makes so much sense. It's really encouraging to see how many people have successfully gotten their claims approved by simply being honest about receiving zero hours through no fault of their own. What strikes me most is how understanding NYS DOL seems to be about these unique per diem situations where you're available to work but just not getting called for shifts. This community's willingness to share detailed, real-world experiences makes what seemed like such an overwhelming and intimidating process feel much more manageable for newcomers like me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their stories and practical advice - you've given me so much confidence that there are actually viable solutions for per diem workers facing these challenging circumstances!

As someone who's brand new to understanding unemployment benefits, this entire discussion has been absolutely incredible to read through! I had zero clue that per diem workers could even qualify for unemployment while still technically employed - I honestly thought you had to be completely fired or laid off to get any benefits at all. Reading everyone's real experiences with NYS Department of Labor has taught me so much more than any confusing government website ever could. The key advice I keep seeing repeated is to document every single attempt to get shifts, be completely transparent about your situation, and make it clear you're available for full-time work elsewhere. It's really encouraging to see how many people have successfully gotten approved by simply being honest about getting zero hours through no fault of their own. What gives me the most confidence is learning that NYS DOL actually understands that per diem work is different from regular employment and that no available shifts essentially equals being unemployed. This community is amazing for sharing such detailed, practical advice that makes navigating this complex system feel so much less intimidating for total newcomers like myself. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their stories - you've all given me hope that there are real solutions out there for per diem workers in tough situations!

I just went through this exact same process two months ago when I had to switch from Chase to a local credit union! Updated my direct deposit info on a Tuesday morning and my payment that Friday went straight to the new account - no delays at all. The NYS system is actually really good about processing these changes quickly, usually within 24-48 hours like everyone else mentioned. Since you updated yesterday and are certifying tomorrow, you should be totally fine timing-wise. One thing that really helped calm my nerves was setting up account alerts on my new bank account so I'd get a text the moment any deposit came through. That way I knew immediately when it worked instead of obsessively checking my balance all day! Also, if you're still worried, that automated phone line tip someone shared (1-888-209-8124) is clutch - you can call anytime to verify what account number they have on file without dealing with wait times for live agents.

I had the exact same concern when I changed my direct deposit last year! Updated mine on a Thursday and was panicking because my payment was scheduled for the following Tuesday. Turns out I worried for nothing - the payment went straight to my new account without any issues. The NYS Department of Labor system is actually pretty efficient with these updates, typically processing them within 1-2 business days like others have mentioned. Since you updated yesterday for tomorrow's certification, you should be in great shape timing-wise. Just make sure to double-check your ny.gov account one more time to confirm all the new bank details are displaying correctly - it only takes 30 seconds and will give you that extra peace of mind before you certify!

The whole system is designed to pay you as little as possible while making you jump through endless hoops. Good luck actually getting your money without fighting for it.

For someone with your salary of $52k, you should qualify for close to the maximum benefit. The calculation is based on your highest earning quarter during the base period, so if your income was consistent, you'll likely get around $480-504 per week. Just make sure you apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week before benefits start, and gather all your employment documentation beforehand to speed up the process.

I had similar issues with the online system last year and ended up having to visit the Department of Labor office in person. Just a heads up - bring ALL your documentation with you (ID, Social Security card, recent pay stubs, separation notice from employer, etc.) because they'll want to verify everything on the spot. Also, get there early - I arrived 30 minutes before they opened and there was already a line. The staff was helpful though and they were able to process my application that same day. If you do decide to go in person, definitely call first to confirm they're accepting walk-ins for new claims.

I work at a One-Stop Career Center and can confirm we absolutely help people with online unemployment filing issues! You don't need an appointment - we accept walk-ins Monday through Friday. We have dedicated workstations with reliable internet and staff who are trained on the common technical glitches with the my.ny.gov system. We can also help you gather any missing documentation you might need. I'd recommend coming in the morning if possible since we tend to get busier in the afternoons. Bring your ID, Social Security card, and any employment documentation you have. Much easier than fighting with the system at home!

same here, always wondered about this! thanks for asking the question

From what I understand, they use multiple detection methods but the main one is quarterly wage matching. Every employer in NY has to report wages to the state, and they run these reports against active unemployment claims. They also check with the IRS for 1099 income and can access databases from other states if you work elsewhere. The system is pretty automated now, so even small amounts of unreported income will eventually get caught. My advice is to always report any work on your weekly certification, even if it's just a few hours - they have partial benefit formulas so you might still get some money, and it's way better than dealing with an overpayment investigation later.