Thanks for all the helpful info everyone! I'm definitely going to set up automatic withholding to avoid a nasty surprise at tax time. For anyone else wondering about the math - at $504/week that's about $26,208 if you collect for a full year. Using a standard tax calculator and assuming you're single with no other major deductions, you're probably looking at around 12-22% federal tax rate plus NY state taxes. So Mateo's 25% rule seems pretty reasonable. Better safe than sorry!

Just wanted to share my experience - I've been collecting NYS unemployment for about 6 months now and initially didn't have any taxes withheld. Big mistake! When I finally did the math halfway through, I realized I was going to owe around $3,000 at tax time. I immediately called (well, tried to call) NYS Department of Labor to set up withholding but like others mentioned, getting through was nearly impossible. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and was able to get my withholding set up within a few days. Now I have 10% federal and the 2.5% state automatically taken out. It's definitely worth the peace of mind, even if it means smaller weekly payments. Don't wait like I did - set it up from the beginning if you can!

I'm new to this community but dealing with the exact same nightmare everyone else is describing! My benefits were cut off in early March with absolutely no explanation, and I've been calling that 888-209-8124 number for 3 weeks straight - just immediate hangups every single time. I was starting to think I was going crazy until I found this thread. This has been the most helpful resource I've found anywhere online! I had no idea about the mobile app callback feature or the secure messaging priority system for people who've been trying 30+ days. Reading through all the success stories here - Isaiah's scheduled callback, Max's mobile app discovery, Paolo's 30+ day system - gives me actual hope for the first time in weeks. Based on all the incredible advice shared here, I'm going to try multiple approaches at once: 1. Download the NY DOL mobile app tonight and request a callback through that separate queue 2. Send a detailed secure message mentioning my 3+ week timeline (hoping to work up to that priority system) 3. Call my state representative's office tomorrow morning 4. Start documenting every contact attempt going forward The system upgrade explanation finally makes sense of why everything has been such a disaster lately. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become experts in navigating broken bureaucracy just to access basic services, but this community has created an amazing roadmap for actually getting through. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share what worked for them - this gives people like me real strategies instead of just endlessly banging our heads against that useless main phone line. I'll definitely post an update once I make progress to help keep this lifesaver of a thread current!

I just wanted to add another success story to this amazing thread! After reading through all the strategies here, I finally got through to NYSDOL after 6 weeks of trying. Here's what worked for me: I used the mobile app callback feature that Max mentioned - got a call back in just 2 days! The agent was actually super helpful and explained that my benefits were held up because of an identity verification issue that never properly cleared in their system during the upgrade. She fixed it in about 10 minutes and I got my back payments within 3 days. A few tips from my experience: 1. The mobile app callback really does seem to have a separate, less crowded queue 2. When they call you back, have EVERYTHING ready - claim ID, employment dates, any correspondence you've received 3. The agents are genuinely trying to help once you actually reach them - the problem is just the overwhelmed system This thread literally saved me from giving up completely. To everyone still fighting this battle - don't lose hope! The strategies shared here really do work, you just have to keep trying multiple approaches. The system is broken but there are ways through it. Special thanks to Isaiah for starting this conversation and to Max, Paolo, and everyone else who shared what worked for them. This community is incredible!

I'm seeing so many success stories here for backdating with employer misinformation - this is giving me hope! I'm in a very similar situation where my HR rep told me I had to be unemployed for a "minimum of 4 weeks" before I could file (total nonsense, I know now). For those who got approved, how detailed did you get in your written explanation? I'm trying to figure out if I should write like a formal letter or just bullet points explaining what happened. Also, did anyone include character references or was the employer misinformation evidence enough on its own? The 30-day deadline someone mentioned is really important - I had no idea about that informal timeframe. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences, this thread is incredibly helpful for those of us navigating this confusing process!

I just want to add some encouragement here - your situation with being told part-time workers don't qualify is actually one of the most common types of employer misinformation that NYSDOL sees. From all the success stories shared in this thread, it's clear that having text evidence of your supervisor specifically saying part-timers aren't eligible gives you a really strong case for backdating. The key things I'm seeing from everyone's experiences: submit your request within 30 days of filing, include a clear timeline of events, attach those text screenshots, and emphasize that you reasonably relied on guidance from someone in authority. The fact that you have concrete evidence (texts) rather than just "he said/she said" puts you in a much better position. I'd also suggest mentioning the financial impact - having to drain savings and survive without benefits for months because you trusted your employer's incorrect guidance really shows the harm caused by their misinformation. Based on all these success stories, it sounds like you have a legitimate shot at getting several weeks backdated. Don't let the initial disappointment discourage you from trying!

I'm a case worker who's helped many people navigate this exact transition, and I want to reassure you that you're absolutely eligible for unemployment benefits. The key points everyone has covered are spot-on: file immediately when your PFL ends, be completely transparent about your leave status, and get that job elimination documentation from your employer. One thing I'd add is that when you file online, there's a specific question about recent leave - answer honestly and the system will guide you through the process. The NYS DOL sees this situation frequently and has streamlined procedures for PFL to UI transitions. Your three years of work history definitely meets the eligibility requirements, and since your employer eliminated your position, you'll qualify for benefits. Don't worry about any "waiting period" - that's a common misconception. File as soon as possible since benefits don't backdate. Best of luck with your new baby and the job search ahead!

I'm a new parent who just started my PFL three weeks ago, and honestly this entire thread is giving me so much peace of mind for the future. My company has been pretty stable, but you never know what can happen in today's economy. Reading through everyone's experiences - especially hearing from Axel who works as a case worker - makes me feel much more confident about the safety net that exists if something unexpected happens with my job. The consistent advice about being transparent, getting documentation, and filing immediately really shows how this community comes together to help each other navigate these complex systems. It's also reassuring to know that the transition from PFL to UI is actually pretty common and well-understood by the NYS DOL. Thank you all for sharing your stories and creating such a supportive space for parents dealing with these challenging situations!

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The waiting week credit issue is specifically mentioned in DOL guidance as requiring specialist assistance, which is why it forces you into the phone queue. For those still struggling, document each call attempt (date/time) in case you need to show you were actively trying to resolve the issue.

I'm dealing with the exact same waiting week issue right now! It's so frustrating that they force you to call for something that should be automated. Reading through all these suggestions gives me hope though. I'm going to try the Wednesday 10:30am strategy first since that seems like solid insider info, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into Claimyr. The fact that multiple people here got through using different methods makes me feel like there's actually a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with these government systems!