The whole unemployment system is so messed up. They make it impossible to reach anyone and then wonder why people are frustrated. At least if you do get fired for performance you have a decent shot at getting benefits approved.

I went through something similar last year - got fired for not meeting sales quotas despite really trying my best. NYS Department of Labor approved my benefits because they determined it wasn't misconduct, just a poor fit for the role. The key thing is to document everything now while you're still employed - save any emails about performance expectations, feedback from your supervisor, evidence that you're making efforts to improve, etc. This documentation can be really helpful if your employer contests your claim later. Also, even if the worst happens, remember that getting fired for performance issues is different from getting fired for breaking rules or policy violations. You've got a good chance of qualifying for benefits.

I'm in literally the exact same situation! I just checked my transcript after seeing this post and I have the same 291 code with a negative amount from last month. I've been so confused about what it meant but reading everyone's experiences here is giving me hope that it's actually a refund coming. The whole unemployment tax situation has been such a mess - I paid extra taxes when I filed in early 2021 before they changed the rules. It's crazy that they're finally fixing this automatically instead of making us jump through more hoops. Definitely going to be checking my bank account daily now! Thanks for posting this, it's so helpful to hear from others going through the same thing.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just saw the 291 code with a negative amount on my transcript from a few weeks ago and had no clue what it meant until I found this thread. It's such a relief to see so many people confirming they actually received their refunds - I was worried it was some kind of mistake or that I'd have to jump through more hoops to get the money. The whole unemployment tax situation has been such a headache. I filed early in 2021 and paid taxes on all my unemployment benefits, then months later they changed the rules. At least they're fixing it automatically instead of making us amend our returns. Based on what everyone's saying here, sounds like I should expect the deposit in the next few weeks. Finally some good news after dealing with all the NY unemployment chaos! Thanks for posting this question - it's so helpful to hear from others in the same boat.

Just went through this same thing with a rental assistance program. They specifically told me unemployment doesn't count as public assistance but it DOES count as income that they need to verify. So make sure you have your benefit determination letter ready.

I just want to add that if you're applying for federal programs, they often have very specific definitions. For example, HUD housing programs typically don't consider unemployment as "public assistance" but they do count it as income. State programs can vary though. I'd recommend looking for the program's definition section in their application materials - they usually spell out exactly what they consider public assistance. Good luck with your applications!

Just wanted to update - my payment came through this morning! So it was exactly 2 business days like everyone said. Thanks for the reassurance, I was definitely overthinking it.

I'm in a similar situation - just got approved after a long wait and submitted my first weekly certification two days ago. Still haven't seen the deposit but reading these responses is really reassuring. It sounds like 2-4 business days is totally normal. I bank with Wells Fargo so hoping to see it by end of week. The anxiety of waiting for that first payment after all the paperwork and delays is real!

I had this issue and it turned out someone had already filed a claim using my SSN!!! Call them ASAP and check if that's what's happening. Identity theft with unemployment is huge right now.

I went through this exact same frustrating experience last month! The NY unemployment system is seriously broken right now. After multiple failed attempts online, I found that calling the unemployment office directly at 8:30 AM sharp (right when they open) gave me the best chance of getting through. It still took about 45 minutes on hold, but I was able to speak with an agent who filed my claim over the phone in like 10 minutes. She told me the online system has been having major issues since their last update and they're processing a lot more claims by phone now. Hang in there - once you get a human on the line, they can sort it out quickly!