Just want to add that even though you can't get unemployment during medical leave, once you're cleared to return to work and if your employer doesn't have a position available for you immediately, THEN you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. But definitely pursue the disability benefits first - that's your best option for income replacement during recovery.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago when I needed surgery. The whole system is confusing but here's what I learned: You definitely can't get unemployment while on medical leave because you have to certify that you're able and available to work each week. But New York State Disability Benefits saved me - it's usually 50% of your average weekly wage up to a cap. The application process was way easier than I expected too. Your employer should have given you info about their disability insurance carrier when you started, but if not, HR should be able to help you get the forms. Don't wait to apply because there might be a waiting period before benefits kick in. Good luck with your procedure and recovery!

This whole unemployment tax nightmare is because they changed the rules AFTER people already filed. I'm in the same boat waiting for almost $1400 back. Been checking my transcript weekly for months now. NY unemployment was already a disaster to deal with and now this tax mess on top of it all. 😡

I went through this exact same thing! That negative $926 on your transcript with code 291 is definitely a refund coming your way. I had the same codes show up in July and got my direct deposit about 2.5 weeks later - no letter or explanation, just money in my account with "IRS TREAS 310" as the description. The whole unemployment tax adjustment thing has been such a mess but at least we're finally getting money back instead of owing more! Just keep an eye on your bank account, it should hit soon.

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 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!

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!