For anyone else reading this - the general rule is file immediately when you become unemployed. Don't wait to see if you'll get called back or find another job quickly. You can always stop claiming if your situation changes, but you can't usually get back those lost weeks if you file late.

This is exactly why I wish NYS Department of Labor would send out clearer guidance when people get laid off or terminated. So many of us make the same mistake of waiting because we think the situation might be temporary. @Paolo Conti - definitely be honest about waiting to see if you'd get called back, but also emphasize that you were ready and available for work during that time. Sometimes they're more understanding if you can show you were actively job searching even while hoping to return to your previous employer. The worst thing you can do is not file at all, so you're still better off than if you'd waited even longer.

Just remember you still need to meet all the job search requirements even while your claim is being processed. Don't skip that part thinking you have time to figure it out later.

One important thing to add - when you do start filing your weekly claims, make sure you're being completely honest about any work or income you had during each week. Even if you worked just one day or made a small amount of money, you need to report it. NYS Department of Labor will cross-reference with employers and the IRS, and failing to report income can result in overpayment penalties and potential fraud charges. It's better to report everything upfront and let them calculate your reduced benefit amount than to risk complications later.

Just to add - make sure you're not filing too early either. You can only certify for a completed week. So if your filing day is Monday, you're certifying for the week that ended the previous Sunday.

I went through this same confusion when I first applied! The key thing to remember is that you can always double-check your assigned filing day by logging into your my.ny.gov account - it should show your specific weekly claim filing day right on your dashboard. I'd recommend taking a screenshot of that info so you don't forget. Also, if you're ever unsure about whether you're filing correctly, the Department of Labor customer service line can confirm your schedule, though as others mentioned the wait times can be brutal. Better to be safe than sorry with your benefits!

Wait I thought there was a rule about not working more than 4 days? My friend said that but maybe she was wrong?

Just to add to what others have said - you can find the official earnings rules in the NYS Department of Labor handbook section 590. It clearly states that you can work while collecting UI as long as your total earnings don't exceed your weekly benefit rate. There's also no limit on the number of days you can work per week, just the earnings threshold. I keep a copy of the relevant pages saved on my phone because I do gig work and need to reference it often when calculating my weekly claims.

Same boat as you last month - no waiting week in NY definitely. Just make sure you keep certifying every week even if payments seem delayed because you can't go back and certify for missed weeks.

Just to add some clarity - NY eliminated the waiting week in March 2020 as part of COVID relief measures and it has remained eliminated since then. You should receive payment for your first week as long as you meet all eligibility requirements and file your weekly certification on time. Typically first payments take 2-3 business days after certification if you have direct deposit set up, or a bit longer if you're using the debit card option. Keep an eye on your online account for any issues that might delay payment.