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CALL THEM!!! Seriously, sitting around waiting won't fix it. My claim was stuck for 3 months until I finally got through. Use claimyr.com if u keep getting the busy signal
Hey NebulaNova! I went through almost the exact same thing last year - approved in July but didn't see a penny until November. Turns out there was an identity verification issue they never told me about. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Log into your account and check if there's any pending correspondence or questionnaires 2. Look for any "eligibility review" notices 3. Make sure your direct deposit info is correct 4. Call the claims center early morning (like 8:01 AM sharp) The good news is YES you'll get all your backpay once they resolve whatever's holding it up. I got like $2,800 dropped into my account all at once. Keep certifying every week no matter what - that's super important for getting your full backpay. Don't give up, you're not alone in this! 💪
just be honest about everything! i got in trouble once for not reporting some cash work i did and had to pay back benefits plus penalties. not worth it
Just wanted to add my experience - I've been doing part-time work while on unemployment for about 6 months now. You definitely don't need to call ahead, just report everything accurately on your weekly certification. Make sure you have your pay stubs ready when you file because you'll need to enter your gross earnings (before taxes). The system is pretty straightforward once you get used to it. One tip: file your weekly claim as soon as possible after your benefit week ends to avoid any delays in processing.
I'm dealing with something similar right now - down to my last week of benefits with months left until my BYE date. From what I've researched and heard from others here, it sounds like we're basically stuck until either we qualify for a new claim (which requires significant work history since filing) or wait until the BYE date. Has anyone had success with getting temporary assistance programs to bridge the gap? I'm worried about the time it takes to get approved for things like SNAP and rental assistance. Also wondering if there are any local programs in NYC specifically that might help during this transition period. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this whole system is so confusing and stressful when you're already dealing with job search anxiety!
I'm in NYC too and went through this exact situation a few months ago. For SNAP, the application process took about 2 weeks from submission to approval, but you can get expedited processing if you qualify (basically if your income is super low and you have less than $150 in resources). For rental assistance, look into ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) - they're still processing applications and it can cover past due rent. Also check with 311 for local emergency assistance programs. Some community organizations in the boroughs have emergency food pantries and utility assistance that don't require the same waiting periods as government programs. The Human Resources Administration also has a Cash Assistance program that might bridge the gap, though the application process can be lengthy. Start applying for everything NOW while you still have that last week of benefits coming in. Don't wait until you're completely out of money!
I'm in a very similar boat - just got down to my last 2 weeks of benefits and my BYE date isn't until June. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful, especially about the 10x weekly benefit rule for qualifying for a new claim early. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my local workforce development center: if you do have some work history since filing but aren't sure if it's enough to qualify, DON'T guess! They told me that filing a new claim when you don't actually qualify can create a mess in the system that takes forever to untangle. Also, for anyone in a similar situation - I started the SNAP application process last week and they have an online pre-screening tool that gives you an idea if you'll qualify and for how much. It at least helps with planning while you wait for the full application to process. This whole system really needs to be clearer about what happens when you exhaust days before your BYE date. It's stressful enough being unemployed without having to decode all this bureaucracy! 😤
Other qualifying separations include being fired for reasons other than misconduct, layoffs, plant closures, or leaving due to domestic violence. The key is proving you didn't quit without good cause. Your hour reduction sounds like it would qualify but be prepared for them to contact your employer during the investigation.
Will my employer try to fight the claim? I'm worried they'll say I could have stayed with the reduced hours.
Employers can contest claims but hour reduction cases are usually pretty clear cut. If you can show the reduction made the job economically unviable, that's good cause. Keep records of your living expenses to show 15 hours wasn't sustainable.
I went through this exact situation last year with NYS Department of Labor. A reduction from 40 to 15 hours is definitely substantial enough to qualify as good cause for leaving - that's over a 60% cut in your income! When you file your claim, make sure to select "reduction in hours/wages" as your reason for separation. The department will likely schedule a phone interview to get more details about your situation. Be prepared to explain that the reduced hours made it impossible to meet your basic living expenses and that your employer couldn't provide a timeline for when hours would be restored. I'd also recommend documenting any job search efforts you made while still employed at reduced hours, as this shows you tried to mitigate the situation before leaving.
This is really helpful advice! I didn't realize there was a specific "reduction in hours/wages" option when filing. Should I wait to hear back from the phone interview before starting to look for new work, or can I job search while my claim is being processed? I want to make sure I'm following all the requirements correctly.
Emily Jackson
anyone else notice that the payment hits your account a day later when ur on extended benefits? regular UI always came tuesday for me but extended benefits hits wednesday for some reason
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Andre Laurent
•Mine still comes Tuesday but it's later in the day than it used to be. Maybe depends on your bank?
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Yuki Tanaka
Update: I certified yesterday for my final week of regular benefits. The system didn't show anything different, but today I got a message in my account saying I'm eligible for extended benefits! It says I need to continue certifying weekly and that my weekly benefit amount will stay the same. It also mentioned the increased work search requirements (5 activities per week). Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
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MidnightRider
•That's fantastic news! So glad it worked out smoothly for you. Just a heads up - I've been on extended benefits for about 6 weeks now and they really do check your work search activities more carefully. I got a request to provide details about my job search activities from week 3, so definitely keep good records of everything (company names, dates, how you applied, etc.). Also, the "suitable work" requirements can be tricky - I had to turn down a job that was only 75% of my previous wage but accept one that was 85% even though it was a completely different field. Good luck with everything!
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Quinn Herbert
•Congratulations on getting approved! That's such a relief when the system works as it should. I'm in a similar situation - my regular benefits end in about 3 weeks and I've been worried about the transition. Your post gives me hope that it might go smoothly. Quick question - did you get any notification before your last regular payment that extended benefits were being processed, or did the message just appear after you certified? Also, thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding what to expect!
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