One thing they don't tell you upfront - keep EVERYTHING documented. Every job you apply for, every contact you make, dates and times of phone calls to NYS Department of Labor. I had to provide all this during an eligibility review and was glad I kept good records. Also screenshot your weekly claim confirmations in case the system glitches.

Just to add to what others have said - you can actually file your first weekly claim the same week you submit your initial application, you don't have to wait. The key thing is to file by Sunday night each week for the previous week. And regarding job search requirements, yes you should start applying for jobs right away even though the formal requirement doesn't kick in until your second week of benefits. It shows good faith effort and you'll already have a head start on meeting the 3 contacts per week requirement. The my.ny.gov portal has a work search log feature that makes tracking applications easier too.

I'm in a similar boat but just moved from NY to Florida to help with family stuff. Been on NY unemployment since losing my restaurant job in June. The stress of not knowing if I could keep my benefits was eating me alive until I called and confirmed - you're totally fine to keep claiming as long as you worked in NY originally. Just make sure you update your address ASAP and keep doing your 3 weekly job searches. I've been documenting everything in a Google doc just in case they audit me later. Hope your parent recovers quickly! 🙏

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation! I moved from NY to North Carolina last year while on unemployment and was terrified I'd lose my benefits. Called the unemployment office (after being on hold for literally 3 hours) and they confirmed you can absolutely keep claiming NY benefits while living out of state. The key things are: 1) Update your address in the system immediately, 2) Keep doing your required work searches (NY requires 3 per week), 3) Be available to work/willing to accept a job in NY if offered, and 4) Document EVERYTHING for potential audits. I ended up being on NY unemployment for about 4 months while living in NC with zero issues. The interstate thing really isn't a problem as long as you follow all the other rules. Good luck with everything and hope your parent recovers well! ❤️

Check the my.ny.gov site - there should be a notice if offices are closed today. But definitely file that appeal online ASAP since you're cutting it close on the deadline!

I went through a similar situation last year when I was laid off. The online appeal system through my.ny.gov is definitely your best bet - it's available 24/7 and you'll get an email confirmation once it's submitted. Make sure to clearly explain in your appeal that you were laid off due to company downsizing, not a voluntary quit. Include any documentation you have like your termination letter, layoff notice, or emails from HR. The key is being very specific about the circumstances. Don't panic - as long as you submit it before the deadline tomorrow, you should be fine. The system timestamps everything so they'll know it was filed on time.

Just a heads up - make sure you apply as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before you can start receiving benefits. Also you'll need to file weekly claims every week even if your initial application is still being processed. The NYS Department of Labor website has all the instructions but it can be confusing at first.

I went through this process about 6 months ago when I was laid off. One thing I wish someone had told me is to take screenshots of your confirmation pages after you submit everything - the system can be glitchy sometimes and it's good to have proof you filed on time. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, gather all that info before you start because the application will time out if you take too long looking things up. Good luck with your application!

Just make sure you understand the difference between gross and net earnings when reporting. Report your gross earnings (before taxes) not what you actually take home. Also if you get tips or commission those count too.

One thing to keep in mind is that your part-time work might actually help your case in the long run - NYS Department of Labor looks favorably on claimants who are actively working and trying to become self-sufficient. As long as you're still available for full-time work and meeting your job search requirements, having part-time employment shows you're making an effort. Plus, you're building work history and potentially networking for future full-time opportunities. Just stay consistent with your reporting and don't let the partial benefit reduction discourage you from working.