


Ask the community...
anyone else feel like the system is DESIGNED to be confusing so people just give up? like they're hoping we'll get frustrated and stop claiming? 🧐
This exact same thing happened to me! I was approved for benefits through March 2023 but suddenly my account shows them ending in December. I've been trying to call for days but can't get through. Reading all these comments makes me feel less crazy - at least it's not just me dealing with this nightmare. The system clearly has major issues right now. I'm definitely going to try that early Monday morning call trick and maybe look into that claimyr service too. It's so frustrating when you're already stressed about money and then the system that's supposed to help you just... doesn't work properly. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
Wait, I thought if you get fired you can't get unemployment? That's what my cousin told me when he got let go last year.
I went through almost the exact same thing! Got terminated for "attendance issues" even though I had legitimate reasons and my supervisor never gave me proper warnings. I filed immediately and got approved after about 2 weeks. The key is to be completely honest about why you were absent - family emergencies are considered legitimate reasons. NYS DOL will review everything and make their own determination. Don't let your employer's characterization discourage you from filing. You've paid into the system and deserve benefits if you qualify. File online today and start your weekly certifications right away!
I'm in a similar situation and found that the key is understanding the "able and available" requirement. Even if you have a medical condition, you might still qualify for unemployment if you can perform some type of work, just not your previous job. For example, if your doctor clears you for light duty or part-time work but your employer can't accommodate those restrictions, you could potentially file a claim. I'd recommend getting a detailed statement from your doctor about what work activities you CAN do, not just what you can't do. This documentation could be crucial when speaking with NYS Department of Labor representatives about your eligibility.
This is really helpful advice! I never thought about getting documentation that shows what I CAN do rather than just what I can't. My doctor has been focusing on my limitations, but you're right that showing I'm still able to do light work might make all the difference for unemployment eligibility. Did you have to go through any specific process to get that kind of statement from your doctor, or did they understand right away what you needed for the unemployment application?
I had to deal with this exact situation last year when I developed carpal tunnel that prevented me from doing my data entry job. What really helped was calling NYS Department of Labor and explaining that while I couldn't do my specific job duties, I was medically cleared for other types of work. They told me I could file a claim as long as I was actively seeking work I could physically do. The tricky part is you have to keep certifying that you're able and available for work each week, so make sure your doctor's restrictions don't completely prevent you from working ANY job. Also, document everything - save all your medical records and job search activities because they may audit your claim later. It took about 3 weeks to get my first payment, but it was a lifesaver during my recovery period.
This is exactly the kind of detailed experience I was hoping to hear about! The carpal tunnel situation is really similar to mine - I can't do my current job but I'm not completely disabled. Did you find that employers were understanding when you explained your medical restrictions during job interviews? I'm worried about how to handle that conversation while still showing I'm genuinely available for work. Also, when you say they may audit your claim later, what kind of documentation did they actually ask for? I want to make sure I'm keeping the right records from the start.
@Ahooker-Equator This is really encouraging to hear! I'm dealing with a similar chronic condition and was worried I'd have no income options while I figure out my work limitations. When you were job searching during your recovery, did you disclose your restrictions upfront in applications or wait until interviews? I'm trying to balance being honest about my limitations while not immediately disqualifying myself from opportunities. Also, did NYS Department of Labor give you any guidance on what types of jobs to focus on, or was it more general "any work you can physically do"? I want to make sure I'm meeting their requirements while also being realistic about what I can handle health-wise.
The NYS Department of Labor phone system is impossible to get through to ask these kinds of questions. I've been trying for weeks to clarify my own eligibility issues. If you need to actually talk to someone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
Diego Flores
Anyone dealt with this knows how many HOURS of our lives we waste trying to fix it. I ended up having my state senator's office help me. Email them explaining the situation and they can often get things moving faster than you can on your own.
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Carmen Sanchez
This exact thing happened to me 6 months ago! Turns out someone had filed a claim using my SSN from a completely different state. What really helped me was documenting EVERYTHING - screenshots of error messages, dates/times of calls, etc. I finally got through by calling the fraud hotline at 888-598-2077 (mentioned above) at exactly 8am on a Tuesday. The agent was actually super helpful once I explained I was a fraud victim. They immediately flagged the fake claim and helped me file my legitimate one. The whole process took about 5 weeks total, but I did get all my backpay once it was resolved. Don't give up! Also definitely check your credit reports like others suggested - mine was clean but better safe than sorry. One tip: when you do get through to someone, ask them to email you a reference number for your fraud case. Having that number made follow-up calls WAY easier.
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