also make sure you check your debit card balance online not just wait for a text notification, sometimes those are delayed

One thing that helped me track my payments better was setting up text alerts through the KeyBank debit card system (if you're using the standard NY unemployment card). You get notified immediately when funds are deposited, which takes the guesswork out of checking your balance constantly. Also, payments typically don't process on weekends or holidays, so if you certify late in the week, you might be waiting until the following Tuesday or Wednesday for the deposit.

just make sure you document everything from your job - any emails, performance reviews, etc. if your employer tries to fight the claim you'll need proof

I went through this exact situation a few months ago - also retail, also "performance issues" with no formal documentation. The good news is that NYS Department of Labor generally sides with employees when employers can't provide concrete evidence of misconduct. The lack of written warnings actually works in your favor because it shows they didn't follow progressive discipline. File your claim ASAP since there's a waiting period, and be honest about the circumstances when you apply. Even if your employer contests it (which they might to avoid their unemployment insurance rates going up), you'll likely win an appeal hearing. Hang in there - the process can be stressful but you should be able to get benefits while you job search.

just report it when you file weekly, they'll figure out the math for you. i've been doing gig work and reporting everything, still getting partial payments. better safe than sorry with these people

I'm in a similar situation and was really nervous about this too! From what I've researched, NYS actually encourages part-time work while collecting unemployment - they call it "partial unemployment benefits." The key is being completely transparent on your weekly certification. When you file, there will be questions about any work performed that week and gross earnings. Report everything exactly as it happened. The system will automatically calculate your reduced benefit amount. From what I understand, they use a formula where they subtract a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit rate, but you can still receive something as long as your total earnings aren't too high. Don't let fear stop you from taking the job - just follow the reporting requirements and you'll be fine!

Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - I had a similar issue last month where my account showed $0 despite being approved. In my case, it was because I had moved recently and there was an address verification flag that wasn't clearly communicated. The system basically put a hold on payments until I could verify my current address with documentation. Once I provided a utility bill and lease agreement, it was resolved within 2 days. So if you've moved recently or have any address discrepancies between your application and your ID, that could be another reason for the $0 amount!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar issue right now - approved for benefits but showing $0 weekly amount. Based on what everyone has shared, it sounds like there are so many different reasons this can happen (wage verification, identity verification, address issues, multiple employers not responding, etc.). It's frustrating that the system doesn't clearly tell you WHY it's showing $0 or what specific steps you need to take to fix it. The fact that @Laura Lopez got it resolved by actually talking to someone confirms what others have said - you really do need to speak with a specialist rather than hoping the system fixes itself. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!

This is really helpful information! I'm in a similar situation where I missed my interview last week and have been panicking about getting my benefits back. Reading through all these responses gives me hope that it's fixable. I'm definitely going to try calling (835) 209-5467 first thing tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. One question - for those who successfully got through and had their benefits reinstated, how long did it typically take from the rescheduled interview to actually seeing payments resume? I'm trying to plan my finances accordingly since I've already been without benefits for over a week now. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community is a lifesaver!

I've been following this thread closely since I'm dealing with a similar situation. Just wanted to share that I called (835) 209-5467 this morning right at 8:00 AM and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative was really helpful and understanding about my missed interview. A few tips for anyone calling: - Have your NY.gov login info ready before you call - Write down your explanation beforehand so you don't fumble when they ask - They'll ask for your case number (found on any DOL letters you've received) - Be prepared to give specific dates of when you tried calling back The agent scheduled my new interview for next week and said to keep certifying weekly even while suspended. She also mentioned that if you're calling about a missed interview, don't hang up even if the hold time seems really long - they prioritize these calls but it can still take time to get through. Feeling much more hopeful now that I know this is definitely fixable! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here.