UGH the whole system is so slow and frustrating!! I've been waiting 8 weeks for my determination and I'm about to lose my apartment. Why does everything with NYS Department of Labor take FOREVER?? This is supposed to be emergency assistance but by the time they approve anything you're already homeless!

I'm going through something similar right now - submitted my claim 5 weeks ago after my company had layoffs and still waiting on determination. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor is dealing with high volume right now which is causing delays. One thing that helped me was creating an online account on their website to track my claim status more easily. You can also submit additional documentation there if needed. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job search activities just in case they ask for them later. Hang in there - the waiting is definitely stressful but it sounds like your case should be straightforward since you have the store closure documentation.

The unemployment system is SO broken!! Employers shouldn't even be able to contest claims unless there's clear proof of misconduct. They lay us off then try to screw us out of benefits we paid into. It's ridiculous how much power they have in this process.

Just went through this exact situation last month. My employer contested my claim saying I had "poor performance" but couldn't provide any documentation of warnings or disciplinary actions. The DOL investigator called me for a phone interview where I explained my side and provided my performance reviews showing I met expectations. Got approved within 3 weeks. The key is being honest and having any documentation that supports your case. Since you were laid off (not fired for cause), your employer will have a hard time proving misconduct just because they're upset about you job hunting.

just make sure she files right away! there's no waiting period for being older but you lose benefits for every week you don't file after becoming unemployed

This is really helpful information everyone! Just to add - your neighbor should also know that in New York, unemployment benefits can be collected for up to 26 weeks (though this can be extended during certain economic conditions). Since she's 67, she might also want to check if her employer offered any severance package that could affect the timing of when she starts receiving UI benefits. Also, the weekly benefit amount is based on her earnings history, so her part-time work over the past 3 years will determine how much she receives. The sooner she applies, the better - she can do it online at labor.ny.gov which might be easier than calling.

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get answers about your benefit amount or claim status, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

Just to add - you can only collect unemployment for 26 weeks maximum in NY, so it's not permanent income. Use the time wisely to find something better than your restaurant job if possible. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week minimum.

Been getting mine on Wednesdays consistently. The only time it was delayed was when there was a federal holiday on Monday and everything got pushed back a day. Make sure you're filing your weekly claim by Sunday night to avoid any delays.

For Chase specifically, I've noticed they usually post unemployment payments early Wednesday morning, sometimes even late Tuesday night. You won't get a notification from DOL when it's processed, but Chase will send you a mobile alert when the deposit hits if you have notifications enabled. I'd recommend setting up account alerts so you know right away when it comes through!