Just as an update, my payment just hit my account about 10 minutes ago! Check yours, maybe it's coming through now.

Glad to hear payments are starting to come through! I'm still waiting on mine but feeling much more optimistic now. This community is so helpful - it's reassuring to know when these delays happen that it's usually a system-wide issue and not something wrong with our individual claims. I'll definitely bookmark this thread for future reference if this happens again. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and updates!

2019 feels like a different world now doesn't it? Back when getting unemployment was relatively rare and the biggest worry was finding the RIGHT job not just ANY job. Those were the days when the NYS Department of Labor offices weren't completely overwhelmed with claims.

For anyone else looking for NYS historical unemployment data, I found that the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) website also has New York state unemployment rates going back years, including 2019. It's another good cross-reference source if you want to verify the DOL numbers. The data there shows the same 3.8% annual rate for 2019 that others mentioned. Really useful for academic research since it's easily downloadable in different formats.

Just want to say be really careful about this decision. Even if you think you have good cause, NYS Department of Labor can be unpredictable about approvals. Maybe try taking FMLA leave first if your situation qualifies? That might buy you time to figure out other options.

I've been through this exact situation and want to share what I learned. NYS Department of Labor does have "good cause" exceptions, but the bar is pretty high. For hostile work environment, you need more than just feeling uncomfortable - you need documented harassment, safety violations, or significant changes to your job terms. I'd recommend keeping a detailed log with dates, times, witnesses, and any written evidence (emails, texts, policy changes). Also consider if there are any protected class issues involved (discrimination based on race, gender, etc.) as those strengthen your case. Before quitting, try to exhaust internal remedies first - file complaints with HR, document their responses (or lack thereof), and consider reaching out to relevant agencies like OSHA or EEOC. This shows you made good faith efforts to resolve the situation. The appeals process can take months, so make sure you have a financial backup plan. Good luck!

Had a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my benefit duration. Their phone lines are constantly busy and the online chat never works. If you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Finally got my questions answered about my benefit year after weeks of trying on my own.

just make sure you dont work any part time while collecting or they'll reduce your benefits. learned that the hard way when I picked up some freelance work

Just to add - when you file online make sure you have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The system will ask for your last day of work and reason for separation, so have those details ready. Don't stress too much about getting everything perfect on the first try - you can always call later to make corrections if needed.

That would definitely be a layoff due to lack of work. NYS Department of Labor has specific categories and 'lack of work' or 'business closure/downsizing' would be the right selection. Budget cuts that eliminate positions fall under that category, so you should qualify for benefits assuming you meet the other requirements like having enough earnings in your base period.