If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask about your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helpful when you need to discuss complex eligibility questions like this.

Just wanted to share another option to consider - check if you're eligible for any workforce development programs through your local One-Stop Career Center while you're between benefit periods. Some programs offer training stipends or other support that might help bridge the gap. You can find your local center through the NYS Department of Labor website. Also, make sure you're still certifying for benefits weekly even if you think you might not qualify - sometimes there are processing delays and you don't want to miss out if you are actually eligible.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just make it simple instead of having all these random rules that nobody understands

One thing that catches a lot of people off guard is the earnings disqualification. If you work part-time while collecting benefits, you need to report ALL earnings - even cash payments or gig work. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount, you won't get any UI payment that week. And if you don't report earnings accurately, that's considered fraud which can disqualify you permanently. I learned this the hard way when I did some freelance work and didn't think a small payment mattered.

Just make sure you understand the difference between employees and independent contractors. If NYS Department of Labor determines someone you classified as a contractor was actually an employee, you could owe back taxes and penalties. The rules are pretty strict about this.

One thing that caught me off guard - even if you go out of business, you still need to file a final report with NYS Department of Labor. I closed my restaurant last year and almost forgot about this until my accountant reminded me.

wait so when they say unemployment is low does that mean like statewide or just in your area? because my town has tons of jobs but they're all retail and food service and i worked in accounting

I'm in a similar boat - been unemployed for about 8 weeks and finding it really tough to hit the 3 job contacts weekly in my field (IT support). What's helped me is mixing in some of the alternative activities others mentioned here. I've been attending virtual networking events through LinkedIn, reaching out to former colleagues for informational interviews, and even volunteering at a local nonprofit that uses technology - all of which count toward the requirement if you document them properly. Also started following up on applications I submitted weeks ago, which my caseworker said counts as a legitimate job search activity. The key seems to be showing genuine effort rather than just hitting a number. Keep your documentation detailed - date, company, contact method, and outcome for everything you do.

ugh the whole system is so confusing, why can't they just make it simple? i never know if i'm doing things right with these claims

Just to add - when I filed my second claim last year, NYS Department of Labor required me to do the whole job search requirement thing again even though I had done it before. So be prepared for that if your claim gets approved.