LISTEN UP PPL - PayPal works but u gotta do it right: 1. Use a VERIFIED PayPal account 2. Double check routing/account #s 3. Wait 1-2 certification periods before the change takes effect 4. Keep old account open until new deposits start 5. Check ur email for PayPal notifications Been using it for a year, zero probs. Just follow the steps and ur good 💯

I've been using PayPal for my NY unemployment for about 4 months now and it's been solid. The key thing is making sure your PayPal account is fully verified with your SSN and everything. I had one hiccup in the beginning where a payment got delayed because I hadn't confirmed my phone number, but once that was sorted it's been smooth sailing. Takes 2-3 days just like a regular bank transfer. Way more convenient than dealing with traditional banks if you don't have one nearby.

The confusion comes from the fact that during emergencies the federal government can create additional programs that run alongside state programs. Like during the pandemic there were federal programs with different rules than regular state UI. But for normal times, it's your state agency - in our case NYS Department of Labor - that handles everything from filing to appeals to job search requirements.

This is a great explanation thread! Just to add - the federal-state partnership also means that when you're looking for information, you'll see references to both federal laws (like the CARES Act or Federal Unemployment Tax Act) AND New York State specific policies. The NYS Department of Labor website is definitely your main resource, but understanding that federal framework helps explain why some rules seem universal while others are NY-specific. For example, the requirement to actively search for work is federal, but how many job contacts you need per week is set by New York State.

whatever you do dont wait to file!! i made that mistake and lost like 3 weeks of benefits because i thought i had to wait or something. file online as soon as you can

I went through this exact situation last year! With your hours and wage ($18/hour at 35 hours), you're looking at roughly $315 per week based on the formula they use. The key thing is they look at your highest earning quarter during your base period. Since you worked there for 2 years, you should have plenty of work history to qualify. Just remember to file your claim right away - you can do it online at my.ny.gov. Also keep track of all your job search activities because you'll need to report them when you certify each week. The whole process can take a couple weeks to get your first payment, so don't panic if it's not immediate. Good luck with your job search!

Just went through this exact situation a few months ago! Everyone here is giving you the right info - severance does NOT count as wages for establishing your claim eligibility. You need actual work history from before your layoff. BUT definitely file your claim right now, don't wait for severance to end! I made the mistake of waiting and lost out on a couple weeks of benefits. When you file, just be honest about your severance - report the amounts and dates. They'll process your claim based on your work history, but might delay payments until after your severance period ends (which sounds like next week for you). The good news is once severance ends, your benefits should kick in automatically if you're approved. The whole process is confusing but just get your claim filed ASAP!

Just to add another data point - I'm currently going through this exact same situation right now! Got laid off in January with a 2-month severance that just ended last week. Filed my claim right when I got laid off (even though I was getting severance) and they approved me based on my work history from before the layoff. The severance didn't count toward my base period wages at all, but it did delay my first payment until after it ended. Got my first unemployment payment this week and it was calculated based on my actual salary from my job, not the severance amount. So definitely file now - don't wait! The earlier you file, the sooner you'll be in the system and ready to receive benefits once your severance ends next week.

I'm going through something similar right now - 6 weeks in adjudication with no updates. The stress is unreal when you're trying to pay rent and bills. I've found that calling right when they open at 8am gives you the best chance of getting through, though it's still a nightmare. Also, if you have any documentation from when you first filed (like separation papers from your employer), make sure you have copies ready because sometimes they ask for stuff again even if you already submitted it. Hang in there - from what I've seen in this community, most people eventually get approved with back pay, it just takes way longer than it should.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation - 7 weeks in adjudication and feeling completely helpless. The financial stress is overwhelming when you're doing everything right but the system just fails you. I've tried calling every day, sometimes multiple times, and either get disconnected or told they can't provide any updates. What's really frustrating is that there's no transparency about what's actually causing the delay or even a realistic timeline for resolution. I've been documenting everything like others suggested, but it feels like we're all just stuck waiting while bills pile up. Has anyone had success with escalating through supervisors when you do get through to someone?