Don't stress too much about it. The system is designed to help people who've been working and paying into unemployment insurance. With your work history, you should be fine. Just make sure you file as soon as possible because there's usually a waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim.

Just to add some clarity on what Charlotte mentioned - yes, you definitely need to list both employers when you apply. The NYS DOL will actually send wage verification forms to all your employers from the base period to confirm your earnings. Also, Lucas is right about the quarters requirement - you need to have worked in at least 2 different calendar quarters during your base period, which you clearly have with your employment history. The good news is that even if you don't qualify under the regular base period, NYS has an "alternate base period" that uses more recent quarters, so your 4 months at the recent job would definitely count there. I'd recommend applying online through the NY.gov website rather than trying to call - the online system is much faster and you can track your claim status easily.

Just wanted to add that if your injury keeps you out of work permanently or your employer terminates you because of the injury, THEN you might end up needing unemployment benefits later. But that would be a separate claim through NYS Department of Labor after your workers comp situation is resolved. For now, focus on getting your workers comp claim filed properly.

@Ava Hernandez - To answer your follow-up question about still being employed: exactly right! If you're still technically employed but just can't work due to a workplace injury, you wouldn't qualify for unemployment insurance. UI requires that you be unemployed AND able/available to work. Since you're on workers comp leave, you're considered temporarily disabled and unavailable for work, which disqualifies you from UI benefits. Workers comp is designed specifically for this situation - keeping you financially supported while you recover from a work injury without losing your job. Make sure to get that C-3 form from your employer ASAP!

I'm also new to NY unemployment and experiencing my first payment delay - certified last Sunday and still waiting. This thread has been incredibly informative! I had no idea these system update delays were so common. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like keeping a 5-7 day buffer for future "system updates" would be wise. Really appreciate everyone sharing their updates and resources like the Claimyr service and Twitter monitoring tips. Hopefully my payment comes through soon like others have reported this weekend. Thanks for creating such a supportive community where we can actually get real information about what's happening!

Just wanted to jump in as another newcomer who's been following this thread closely! I'm also dealing with my first payment delay after certifying Sunday - usually get paid Tuesday but still waiting. This whole discussion has been such a lifesaver for understanding what's actually happening. I had no idea these system update delays were a regular occurrence with NYSDOL. Really grateful for everyone sharing their experiences and tips, especially about following their Twitter and keeping an emergency buffer for future updates. It's frustrating that we have to rely on community knowledge rather than clear official communication, but at least we have this supportive group to figure things out together!

mine always shows up next day even on weekends but sometimes not till late afternoon so don't panic if u don't see it right away

UPDATE: It's Saturday afternoon and the money just showed up on my Key Bank card! Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance. Such a relief to have this before rent is due on Monday.

try calling your local state representative! sometimes they can help speed things up

Hey OP, I went through this exact same nightmare last year. Here's what actually worked for me: First, file an appeal ASAP if you haven't already - you usually have 30 days from when you got the overpayment notice. Even if it's past the deadline, still try because sometimes they accept late appeals for good cause. Second, definitely request a hardship waiver like others mentioned. I had to show bank statements, rent receipts, utility bills, medical expenses - basically prove you can't afford basic necessities. They actually approved mine and wiped out the whole overpayment. Third, if all else fails, you can request a payment plan for like $25-50/month instead of them taking your whole refund. Way better than losing everything at once. Don't give up! The system sucks but there are ways to fight this. Document everything and keep calling/emailing until someone helps you.