Same struggle here! I've been calling for 2 weeks straight with no luck. The system is clearly overwhelmed. I'm going to try the early morning strategy that @Kiara Fisherman suggested - calling right at 8am sharp. Also thinking about trying that paid service @Paige Cantoni mentioned, even though $20 feels steep. At this point my time is worth more than that! Has anyone had luck with the online portal or is calling really the only way to resolve complex issues?

I've been dealing with this nightmare for over a month now! Tried everything - calling at different times, using multiple phone numbers, even had my mom try calling from her landline. The "higher than normal call volume" message is such a joke at this point. I'm seriously considering that paid service @Paige Cantoni mentioned because I'm losing my mind here. Has anyone tried showing up in person at a local office? I know they prefer phone calls but I'm desperate. Also wondering if there's a specific time of day that works better - like maybe right after lunch when some people might have given up for the day? This whole system is broken and we're the ones suffering for it. 😡

This is such a great breakdown of the base period system! I had always assumed unemployment was just based on how long you worked at your most recent job. One follow-up question - if someone has gaps in employment during that base period (like a few months between jobs), does that affect eligibility as long as you still meet the minimum earnings requirements across those quarters? Or do the earnings just need to be there regardless of when exactly they were earned within each quarter?

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm new to New York and had no idea the unemployment system was so different from other states I've lived in. The base period calculation seems much more complex but also potentially more flexible than just requiring a specific number of months at one job. One thing I'm curious about - do seasonal workers or people with irregular income (like gig workers or contractors) face any special challenges with meeting these base period requirements? It seems like the quarterly earnings system might make it harder for people who don't have traditional full-time employment to qualify.

This is such a valuable thread! I'm not in this situation myself right now, but I wanted to add something that might help others who find this post later. If you're filing online and run into any technical issues or have questions about your specific situation, the NYS Department of Labor also has local career centers throughout the state where you can get in-person help with your unemployment claim. Sometimes having someone walk you through the process face-to-face can be really helpful, especially if you're not comfortable with online forms or have a complicated employment history. You can find your nearest location on the DOL website. They can also help with job search resources and connecting you with training programs if you're interested in learning new skills while you're between jobs. Just another option to keep in mind alongside filing online - sometimes the personal touch makes all the difference when you're dealing with something this stressful!

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying about filing immediately after your last day - don't delay! I was in your exact situation about 6 months ago and made the mistake of overthinking the timing. I waited until Monday to file thinking it would be "cleaner" to start fresh on a new week, but that just cost me unnecessary stress and delayed my benefits by a few days. The system is designed for you to file as soon as you're unemployed, period. One thing that really helped me was calling my HR department before my last day to ask exactly what paperwork they'd be providing and when - some companies send separation documents by mail which can take a few days, but you don't need to wait for those to file your claim. You can always update your claim later with additional documentation. The most important thing is getting that initial claim submitted so your benefit year starts. Good luck, and remember that thousands of people go through this process successfully every year - you've got this!

If you're having trouble getting through to the right people about PFL or need to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about any related questions, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when I couldn't get through on my own and it was way easier than sitting on hold for hours.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer contributes to New York State Disability Benefits (DBL) - this can provide partial wage replacement for the period when you're physically unable to work due to childbirth (usually around 6-8 weeks). It works alongside PFL, so you might be able to get DBL for the immediate recovery period and then transition to PFL for bonding time. Your employer's HR or payroll department should be able to tell you if they participate in the DBL program.

Hey Malik, really sorry to hear about your layoff - it's always stressful even when you know it's coming. The good news is you're in a strong position for benefits! Since you were laid off through no fault of your own and have 2 years of steady full-time work, you should definitely qualify. Just wanted to add a couple practical tips from when I helped my brother through this process last year: make sure you have your final pay stub and any separation paperwork from your employer ready when you file, as they'll ask for specific wage information. Also, don't be surprised if they ask about that employment gap you mentioned - just be honest about the dates and reasons. The system is pretty good at calculating whether you have enough earnings in your base period regardless of gaps. One last thing - if you have any direct deposit info handy, set that up when you file to avoid waiting for paper checks. You've got this!

Hang in there Malik! Getting laid off is tough, but you're asking all the right questions. Based on what you've shared, you should definitely qualify - layoffs are exactly what unemployment benefits are designed for, and your 2 years of full-time work history puts you in great shape. Just to add to what others have said, when you file your claim, make sure to answer all questions honestly and completely. The system will automatically calculate your benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter during the base period, so that steady full-time income should work in your favor. Also, once you start receiving benefits, keep track of your job search activities from day one - NY requires you to make work search contacts each week you claim benefits. The requirements are pretty reasonable, but staying organized from the start will save you headaches later. You're going to get through this!