Just make sure you have all your wage records ready when you apply. Per diem workers sometimes have irregular pay periods so NYS Department of Labor might need extra documentation to verify your earnings base period.

I'm actually going through this exact same situation right now with a per diem position at a hospital. Filed my claim about 2 weeks ago and it was approved. The key things that helped me were: 1) I documented every time I called asking for shifts and they said none were available, 2) I made sure to emphasize in my application that I was available for full-time work elsewhere, and 3) I was honest about still being on their roster but receiving zero hours. The process was pretty straightforward once I understood that per diem with no hours offered = unemployed through no fault of your own. Good luck with your claim!

I actually went through this same exact situation just a few weeks ago! I switched banks and updated my direct deposit on a Wednesday evening, then certified on Thursday morning. I was really nervous about the timing, but my payment came through to the new account that following Tuesday without any issues at all. The NYS system processed it within that typical 1-2 business day window everyone's mentioning. Since you updated yesterday and you're certifying tomorrow, you should definitely be in good shape timing-wise. I'd recommend logging back into your ny.gov account one more time just to visually confirm your new bank details are showing up correctly - it only takes a minute but gives you that extra peace of mind. Also, keep your phone handy for mobile banking notifications so you'll know the instant your deposit comes through. You've got this!

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!

Just remember the benefits are taxable income so don't spend it all thinking you're getting free money. I learned that the hard way last year.

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.

I went through the same frustrating experience with the online system last month. What finally worked for me was going to my local One-Stop Career Center - they have staff who can help you file online using their computers and internet connection. Even if the system is being glitchy, they know workarounds and can help troubleshoot in real time. You can find your nearest location on the NYS Department of Labor website. Much better than trying to figure it out alone at home!

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!

I'm in almost the exact same boat! Quit my job in December for what seemed like an amazing opportunity, then got laid off in May when the company had "financial difficulties." Just got my denial letter yesterday and I'm honestly freaking out a bit. Reading through all these responses is making me feel so much better though. It sounds like focusing on the layoff from the most recent job is key, and that appeals actually work! Quick question for those who've been through this - when you're filling out the paperwork, do you mention the previous job you quit at all, or just focus entirely on the most recent employment? I don't want to accidentally hurt my case by bringing up the voluntary quit again. Also seeing a lot of mentions about Claimyr here - has anyone else used it successfully? The $20 seems worth it if it actually gets me through to a human being instead of sitting on hold for hours. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - it's really helping me feel less alone in this process! 🙏

I went through something very similar! Quit my job in November for what I thought was my dream role, then got laid off in April when they had "budget constraints." The initial denial was so disheartening, but I want you to know there's definitely hope. Here's what worked for me: • I treated my appeal like telling a story - started with how I was a dedicated worker who made a career move, then emphasized the involuntary separation • Got a brief statement from my former supervisor confirming the layoff was due to company financial issues (even just an email helps!) • Made sure to highlight that I worked continuously and contributed to the unemployment insurance system at both jobs The waiting period during appeals is brutal (took about 7 weeks for me), but when I finally got approved, the relief was incredible. Plus getting that back pay really helped catch up on everything. One tip - if you need to speak with someone at DOL during this process, I actually did end up using Claimyr after seeing it mentioned here so much. Totally worth the $20 to avoid the endless hold music and actually talk to a human who could walk me through my specific situation. Stay strong! Your case sounds really similar to mine and many others here who eventually got approved. The system is slow but it does work when you have a legitimate claim like yours. 🙏