The whole system is ridiculous honestly. I worked for 8 months straight and still had issues with my claim because my previous employer reported my wages wrong. NYS Department of Labor makes everything so unnecessarily complicated with all these quarter calculations and base periods. Why can't they just say 'work X months, get benefits' like normal people would understand??

Tell your cousin to check her pay stubs and add up her quarterly earnings. That's the easiest way to know for sure. The NYS Department of Labor base period thing makes more sense when you actually calculate it out with real numbers.

I'm in a similar situation and finally got through after weeks of trying. Here's what worked for me: 1) Use Chrome browser in incognito mode, 2) Try filing very early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when fewer people are online, 3) Have ALL your employment history ready beforehand - employer names, addresses, dates, and reason for separation. The system times out if you take too long entering info. Also, make sure you're on the correct site - it should be my.ny.gov/signin, not any other URL. Don't give up, it's frustrating but once you get it submitted the process moves pretty quickly after that.

I work at a local library in Rochester and we've had several people come in asking for help with unemployment applications when the website wasn't working. What we've found helpful is using our public computers which seem to have fewer issues, and our staff can sit with you while you fill it out if you need assistance. Most libraries have good internet connections and updated browsers. The Monroe County Library system has locations throughout Rochester - you might want to call ahead and ask if they can help you with the online application. It's not the same as in-person DOL service, but at least you'd have someone there to help troubleshoot if the site crashes again.

Just to add - make sure you have your banking info ready for direct deposit setup. It's way faster than waiting for checks in the mail. Also if you worked for multiple employers in the past year and a half, try to get all those details together even if some were part-time or temporary jobs.

Don't stress too much about having everything perfect before you start! I was in the same situation last year when my company had layoffs. The NYS Department of Labor website actually walks you through each step and tells you exactly what info they need as you go. The main things are your SSN, ID, work history for the last 18 months, and basic info about why you're unemployed. If you can't remember exact dates or addresses for previous jobs, you can estimate and update later. The important thing is getting your application submitted quickly so your benefit year starts. You've got this!

make sure u print those certification confirmations! ny unemployment system is held together with ducktape and prayers

Just went through this exact situation last week! Got approved after 6 weeks of waiting and yes, you'll definitely get backpay for all the weeks you certified. Mine hit my account 4 days after approval - all at once like everyone said. The key thing is making sure you certified for every single week during that waiting period, even if it felt pointless at the time. Check your payment history daily once you get approved, it'll change from "pending" to "released" when it's coming your way. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line! 🙏

I went through this exact same thing a few months ago! Don't panic - you can definitely get your missed week paid out. Here's what worked for me: First, try calling right at 8am when they open - that's your best shot at getting through without waiting forever. If that doesn't work, honestly consider using one of those callback services like Claimyr that others mentioned. I was skeptical at first but it saved me literally hours of hold time. When you do get through, be super polite and have a good reason ready. Internet/phone issues actually do count as "good cause" - I used that exact excuse when my certification wouldn't go through on the app. Also have your work search records ready for that missed week because they'll definitely ask. Most importantly - if the first agent says no, hang up and call back. Different agents interpret the rules differently and some are way more helpful than others. It took me 3 calls but I eventually got someone who backdated it for me. The payment showed up about 2-3 days after they fixed it in the system. You got this! Just be persistent and don't give up.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now - missed my certification for the first week of September and just noticed it when doing this week's claim. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that it's fixable! Based on what everyone's saying, it sounds like the key things are: 1. Having a good reason (internet issues should work) 2. Being super polite to the agent 3. Being willing to call multiple times if the first person says no 4. Having work search records ready I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy first, but if that doesn't work I'll check out this Claimyr service that so many people are recommending. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops for what should be a simple fix, but at least there's a path forward. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is way more helpful than anything on the official DOL website!