Did you answer all the certification questions the same way you always do? One wrong answer can put your whole claim on hold.

This is so frustrating but unfortunately super common right now. I went through the exact same thing in November - part-time hours at a coffee shop, reporting everything correctly, then BAM payments just stopped with zero explanation. Here's what I learned: when you work part-time consistently for several months, NY's system sometimes flags your account for what they call an "employment verification review." It's completely automated and happens even when you're doing everything right. Since your payments show as "pending" (which I saw you mentioned in another comment), that's actually good news - it means they haven't denied you, just put a temporary hold while they review something. The bad news is you HAVE to talk to someone to get it resolved. I know the phone lines are impossible, but keep trying. Ask specifically for a "claims examiner" or "Tier 2 representative" - regular customer service can't lift these holds. If you can't get through after a few more days, honestly consider using one of those callback services people mentioned. I was skeptical too but after missing 4 weeks of payments, paying $20 to actually talk to someone was worth it. Don't give up! This is fixable once you reach the right person. Keep certifying every week even without payments - you'll get backpay once it's resolved.

Try calling your state representative's office! I was in a similar situation and hitting walls with unemployment, but my assemblyman's office has staff that deal with unemployment issues. They helped expedite my case and got me answers within days instead of weeks.

I'm going through the exact same situation right now and it's so stressful! My benefits are ending in a few days and I've been searching for work for months with very little luck. From what I've learned reading through all these responses, it seems like the key things to do are: 1) File a new claim anyway even if you're not sure you qualify - sometimes people get approved when they don't expect to, 2) Keep certifying weekly no matter what to keep your claim active in the system, 3) Look into other assistance programs like SNAP and emergency rental assistance, and 4) Try to actually speak with someone at unemployment to understand all your options. The phone situation sounds impossible but several people mentioned that Claimyr service for getting through. I'm also going to try contacting my state rep's office like Elijah suggested. We shouldn't have to go through this much stress just to get basic help when we're actively looking for work. Hang in there - we'll figure this out!

One thing no one mentioned - if his company gives him an official letter/email stating his hours are being reduced due to lack of work or business needs, that will help his claim IMMENSELY. UI dept is much less likely to deny or delay claims with official documentation.

Just went through this exact situation last month! My hours got cut from 40 to 28 and I was panicking about bills. The key thing everyone's saying is right - it's about DAYS not hours in NY which is super confusing at first. I ended up working with my supervisor to compress my reduced hours into 3 days instead of spreading them across 5 days. This let me qualify for partial benefits for the other 4 days. Made a huge difference in my monthly income. Also yeah, definitely use something like Claimyr if the phone lines are jammed - saved me literally hours of hold time. Tell your friend to apply ASAP once the hours get cut because there's usually a waiting period before benefits start.

Just a heads up, I was in your exact situation and it took just over 2 months to fully resolve. Be patient and persistent! The most important thing is getting a WRITTEN confirmation from unemployment that the claim was fraudulent.

This is so frustrating and unfortunately becoming way too common! I went through something similar last year. A couple additional things that helped me: 1. Contact your state attorney general's office - they often have a consumer protection division that handles identity theft cases 2. Sign up for alerts with the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/myaccount so you get notified if anyone tries to create accounts using your SSN 3. Consider placing a fraud alert (not just a freeze) on your credit reports - this requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts The whole process is such a pain but you're doing all the right things. Keep detailed records of every call, email, and letter - you'll need them if this drags on. And definitely don't ignore any tax documents you might receive related to this fraudulent claim, even though you never got the money. Stay persistent with the unemployment office. I know the phone system is terrible but eventually you'll get through. The fraud department is usually more responsive than regular claims once you reach them.

The calculation is straightforward once you understand it. Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be Q1 2023 through Q4 2023. They take your highest quarter from that period and divide by 26. Just make sure you have all your pay stubs or W2s ready when you actually file.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. One thing to keep in mind is that the base period earnings requirement - you need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period AND at least $1,300 in your highest quarter to qualify. With your $58k salary you should be fine, but it's good to double check. Also, don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so factor that into your budgeting when you get your estimate.