just file already!! the worst they can do is say no and then you know for sure. i filed when i wasn't even sure if i qualified and it worked out fine. you have to be unemployed or underemployed and actively looking for work, that's basically it

I went through something similar when my manufacturing job cut my hours from 40 to 15 per week. The key thing is to file as soon as possible because there's a waiting period before benefits start. For partial unemployment in NY, you can earn up to a certain amount (I think it's around $504 per week) before it affects your benefits. You report your earnings each week when you certify, and they calculate your partial payment. The system is actually pretty straightforward once you get started - don't let the website intimidate you. Just make sure you have all your employer information ready and your Social Security card when you file. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll know exactly what you qualify for.

Just make sure you keep up with the job search requirements too! You need to document your job search activities or they can cut off your benefits even if you have weeks left.

Based on what others have shared, 26 weeks seems to be the standard maximum for NY state unemployment. I'm curious though - has anyone here had experience with the job search requirements that Freya mentioned? I want to make sure I'm documenting everything correctly from the start so I don't run into issues later. What exactly do they require you to track?

if your still having problems getting your 1099g form, try using claimyr.com. i was in the exact same situation and hitting dead ends until i found them. got connected to a real person at unemployment in about 2.5 hours who emailed me my form right away.

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare! Been trying to get my 1099-G since January and the website just keeps giving me errors. I've probably called 30+ times and never gotten through to a human. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like Claimyr.com might be worth trying - I'm honestly desperate at this point. Has anyone had any luck with the Form 4852 substitute approach? I kept decent records of my weekly payments so I could probably estimate pretty accurately. Just worried about getting it wrong and having to deal with the IRS later on top of this unemployment mess. This whole system is so broken it's ridiculous!

I went through this exact same situation last month - 7 weeks of pending status with no communication. What finally worked for me was filing a complaint through the NYS Department of Labor's online complaint form on their website. You have to dig around to find it, but there's a section for "delayed benefit payments" under their complaint system. I also sent a message through the secure messaging in my ny.gov account explaining my situation and the financial hardship it was causing. Within 48 hours of doing both, I got a call from a caseworker who resolved the issue - turns out there was a simple coding error that had my claim stuck in limbo. Don't give up filing your weekly certifications though, you'll get backpay for all those weeks once it's resolved.

@Mateo Perez - I'm dealing with something similar right now (week 5 of pending status). One thing that helped me get more information was creating an account on the NY.gov website and checking the "Message Center" section - sometimes there are automated messages there that don't show up in the regular correspondence section. Also, if you haven't already, try calling the technical support line instead of the claims line - they can sometimes see different information about what's causing the delay. The number is different from the main unemployment line and usually has shorter wait times. For the immediate financial pressure, check if you qualify for emergency assistance programs through your county's social services department - some have funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. Keep hanging in there, most people do eventually get through the system and receive all their back payments.

Just an update - mine finally went through after 3 weeks and I got back pay for all the weeks I certified. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago after getting laid off from my job in Rochester. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're watching bills pile up. What helped me was setting up automatic payments or payment plans with my utilities and landlord while waiting - most companies are understanding if you explain you're waiting on unemployment. Also make sure you're documenting everything - screenshot your weekly certifications and keep records of when you filed. That 2-3 week timeframe seems to be the norm unfortunately, but like Connor said, you should get backpay for all the weeks you've been certifying once it goes through.