same thing here, got the audit notice last month and was totally confused about what they wanted

I just went through this audit process a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. The key is organization - I created a simple spreadsheet with all my job applications, dates, company names, and contact info. Also kept screenshots of online applications and copies of any email confirmations. The NYS Department of Labor auditor was actually pretty reasonable and just wanted to verify I was actively looking for work. The whole thing was resolved in about 2-3 weeks. Don't stress too much, just be thorough with your records and respond promptly to any requests they make.

Just wanted to add that if you exhaust your 26 weeks of regular UI, you might be eligible for extended benefits during periods of high unemployment, but that's rare and depends on statewide unemployment rates. For planning purposes, definitely count on 26 weeks and not a day more.

Hey Mateo! Just to add some practical advice - I went through this process last year and the 26 weeks goes by faster than you think. Start your job search immediately even if you're taking a few days to decompress. The weekly certification process becomes routine but don't skip it - I set a phone reminder for the same day/time each week. Also, your benefit amount is calculated from your highest earning quarter in your base period, so it might be different than what you expect. The NYS DOL website has a benefit calculator that can give you a rough estimate. Good luck with everything!

I remember when I first started collecting NY unemployment benefits, I was so confused by all the delays and website issues. The system seems designed to be difficult on purpose! For Columbus Day specifically, expect a 1-day delay. And FYI - their online system will probably show incorrect info on the holiday itself, so don't panic if it looks weird on Monday.

Been dealing with this for months now. Columbus Day will definitely delay your payment by at least one business day, sometimes two depending on your bank. I've learned to just automatically add 2-3 extra days to any payment that falls around a holiday. Also, if you're really stressed about timing and need to talk to someone at NY unemployment, I ended up using claimyr.com after seeing it mentioned here. Worked way better than trying to call directly - got connected to an actual person in under an hour instead of spending days redialing. Worth it when you're worried about missing rent! Pro tip: set up payment alerts with your bank so you know exactly when the deposit hits, and maybe talk to your landlord now about the potential delay. Most are understanding if you give them a heads up.

I'm at week 24 now and definitely feeling the pressure! Been applying everywhere but employers are being really picky. At least I know I have 2 more weeks to figure something out.

I'm in a similar boat - at week 18 and starting to panic about the 26 week limit. Have you looked into any workforce development programs or career services that might be available while you're still collecting? I heard some community colleges offer free retraining programs for unemployed workers. Might be worth checking out if it could help you transition to a different field with better job prospects before your benefits run out.

File ASAP! I made the same mistake thinking I'd bounce back quickly. The job market is tougher than it looks right now. At least with UI you'll have some income while you search. Just make sure you understand the job search requirements - you have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week and keep records.

Don't beat yourself up about waiting - lots of people think they'll find work quickly and end up in the same boat. The important thing is to file now before you lose any more potential benefits. When you apply, make sure you have your employment history for the past 18 months ready, including dates, employer info, and reason for separation. Also be prepared for the initial application to take some time - it's pretty thorough but worth doing carefully to avoid delays later.