yeah the job search thing is annoying but not hard to do. just apply to jobs online and log them in your weekly claim. took me like 10 minutes each week

Another thing to keep in mind is that your weekly benefit amount might be subject to federal taxes. NYS Department of Labor gives you the option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you certify each week, which can save you from owing a big chunk at tax time. I learned this the hard way my first time on unemployment - ended up owing about $1,200 in taxes because I didn't have anything withheld. The gross benefit amount stays the same but it's something to consider for your budgeting.

I went through this whole mess last year. Here's what I learned: Sometimes you exhaust regular UI but automatically qualify for other programs based on your situation. The system is terrible at communicating this though. When I finally got through to an agent (took forever), they told me I was eligible for an extension I didn't even know existed. Those 88 days might actually be usable!

This is such a frustrating situation! I went through something similar last year where I had exhausted my regular 26 weeks but kept seeing effective days in my account. Turns out I was eligible for Extended Benefits but the system doesn't automatically enroll you - you have to specifically ask about it when you talk to an agent. The 88 days you're seeing could potentially be real benefits if you qualify for certain programs, but the only way to know for sure is to get through to someone at the unemployment office. I know everyone's mentioning different ways to reach them, but definitely don't stop certifying weekly while you figure this out. The system penalizes you if there are gaps in your certifications even if you weren't sure you'd get paid. Hope you get some answers soon!

mine was only like 4 weeks but that was during the summer when things might have been slower

I went through this same situation last year and it's incredibly frustrating. My audit took about 10 weeks total. What helped me was keeping detailed records of every interaction and continuing to file weekly claims like others mentioned. One thing I learned is that sometimes audits get delayed because they're waiting on responses from your former employer - that was the case with mine. The system doesn't always tell you this is happening though. Hang in there, most people do eventually get their back pay once the audit clears. In the meantime, see if you qualify for any emergency assistance programs in your area to help with bills.

Ruby, I went through something similar when I was pregnant with my second child. The key thing to understand is that NYS unemployment law requires you to be "able and available" for work, but medical restrictions don't automatically disqualify you if there are jobs you CAN still do with those restrictions. Since your doctor put you on modified bed rest with a 10-pound lifting restriction, you'd need to show that you're still able to perform other types of work that don't involve heavy lifting - like office work, customer service, etc. Document everything with your employer about the accommodation request, and when you file your claim, emphasize that you're willing and able to work within your medical restrictions. The NYS Department of Labor will evaluate whether there are suitable jobs available for someone with your limitations. Also definitely look into Paid Family Leave as PrinceJoe mentioned - that might be a better fit for your situation.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - 6 months pregnant and my retail job involves a lot of standing and lifting that I can't do anymore per my doctor's orders. What I learned from talking to a lawyer is that you might want to first request accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - pregnancy-related medical conditions can qualify for temporary accommodations. If your employer refuses reasonable accommodations (like reassigning you to lighter duties), then you have a stronger case for unemployment benefits. The NYS Department of Labor will look at whether your employer made good faith efforts to keep you employed within your restrictions. Also check if your employer offers short-term disability - that might bridge the gap until your baby is born and you can apply for Paid Family Leave. Don't give up without exploring all your options first!

Here's what you do: 1) Take a screenshot of your current claim info showing 0 effective days but benefit year still active 2) Keep certifying each week without fail 3) If no payment after 2 weeks, call them I went thru this in January. Everything worked out but I was sweating bullets thinking I'd lose my benefits. The ny unemployment system is so old and glitchy.

I'm in literally the exact same boat right now! Hit 0 effective days last week but my benefit year doesn't end until March 20th. It's so nerve-wracking when you see that zero but still have bills to pay. I've been reading through all these comments and it sounds like the consensus is to keep certifying and give it 2-3 weeks before calling. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - makes me feel less alone in this confusing mess. Going to take screenshots of everything like Samuel suggested and just keep my fingers crossed the system sorts itself out automatically. Has anyone else noticed if there's a particular day of the week payments usually resume when this happens?