just keep in mind your weekly benefit amount is based on your previous earnings, and there's usually a one week waiting period before your first payment. so don't panic if you don't see money immediately after filing your first claim.

One thing to add - make sure you understand the difference between your "weekly benefit rate" and your total benefit amount. Your weekly rate is what you get each week (usually around 50% of your average weekly wage), but you have a maximum total amount you can receive over the entire benefit year. In NY it's typically 26 times your weekly rate. Also, if you do any part-time work while collecting, you need to report those earnings when you file your weekly claim - they might reduce your benefit for that week but you won't lose eligibility completely. The system is pretty good at catching unreported work so always be honest about any income.

Just applied for mine yesterday for the same reason (seasonal retail). The online application asks if you expect to return to the same employer and when. I put my expected return date as March 2025. Pretty sure this helps with the job search stuff but won't know for sure until I get my determination letter.

I went through this exact same process two years ago when I was doing seasonal work at a ski resort. One thing I'd add is to keep documentation from your employer about the expected return date - like an email or letter stating when they plan to bring you back. NYS DOL sometimes requests this as proof that it's truly a temporary layoff. Also, even on standby status, you'll still need to certify weekly that you're able and available to work. The good news is seasonal layoffs are super common and the system is set up to handle them pretty smoothly once you get the initial application done.

Just wanted to share my experience - I was on unemployment from Nov 2022 until March 2023. I had taxes taken out of every payment. When I did my taxes (early filer here), I definitely had to report the unemployment income and pay taxes on it. Your brother might be thinking of the special exemption they had during covid, but that's been gone for a while now.

Just to add some clarity here - I work as a tax preparer and can confirm that unemployment benefits are absolutely taxable for 2023. The COVID-era exemption (which was up to $10,200 for 2020 only) is long gone. NY takes out 10% federal withholding plus state taxes. You can opt out of withholding in your online account, but I STRONGLY advise against it unless you're setting aside money yourself. I've seen too many clients get hit with massive tax bills they couldn't afford. Better to have it taken out now and potentially get a small refund than owe thousands later. Also, if you're having trouble reaching DOL by phone, there are legitimate callback services that can help - just make sure you're using reputable ones.

why tf do we even need this ID.me garbage?? the normal verification system worked fine before. this is just adding unnecessary steps to an already broken system. ny unemployment just making things worse 🤡

Just went through this exact same thing last week! What finally worked for me was using a different device entirely. I kept getting stuck in loops on my laptop, but when I switched to my tablet and used the Chrome browser, everything went smoothly. Also make sure you're not using any VPN or ad blockers - those seemed to mess with the verification process. The whole thing is super frustrating but once you get through it, your payments should start up again within a few days. Hang in there!

Have you tried calling them? I know its a pain, but sometimes you gotta be persistent to get answers.

I'm dealing with a similar overpayment situation right now too! From what I've read in the DOL handbook, they're supposed to send you a notice explaining the recoupment schedule and when benefits should resume. Have you gotten anything like that in writing? Also, I noticed on my online account there's a section that shows the overpayment balance - might be worth checking if yours updates as they deduct. This whole process is so stressful when you're already struggling financially 😔