Filing for unemployment was one of the smartest things I did when I got laid off. Even though I waited about 2 weeks myself, I still got benefits for months while job searching. The application process isn't too bad, just make sure you have your employer information and social security number ready.

Sean, I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - file TODAY! I work in HR and see this mistake all the time. People think they have to wait or that there's some complicated process, but you literally just need to go to ny.gov and start the application. The three weeks you've already lost are gone, but don't lose any more time. Also, make sure you have your last employer's information handy (company name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation) and your Social Security number. The system will walk you through everything step by step. You've got this!

Same thing happened to me! Was so stressed when I got the denial letter. Turns out I had filed too early - you have to wait until your last day of work plus any severance period ends. Also if you're getting any kind of pension or retirement payments that can disqualify you even if you're young. Really recommend reading through the whole denial letter carefully, sometimes the reason is buried in legal language at the bottom.

I went through the same thing with NYS DOL last year. The most important thing is to request your "Notice of Determination" if you haven't already - it should have more specific details than just "not meeting eligibility requirements." Also check if you filed during the right base period. Since you worked 8 months but some was part-time, you might need to look at wages from 15-18 months ago, not your recent employment. The timing of when you file matters a lot for which quarters they count. Don't give up - many denials are overturned on appeal if you have the right documentation.

UGH the NYS Department of Labor processing times are ridiculous!! They expect us to survive on nothing while they take their sweet time reviewing obvious cases. Meanwhile they're quick to send overpayment notices if you make the slightest mistake later on.

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 12 days ago and still showing "under review." What I've learned from calling different offices is that 10 days is still within the normal range, especially if you filed correctly with all your documents. The system automatically flags certain claims for additional review even when there's nothing wrong. Try not to panic yet, but definitely keep checking your online account daily for any requests for additional info. If you hit the 3-week mark with no updates, that's when I'd start making more aggressive attempts to contact them directly.

I went through something similar last year and what finally worked for me was a combination approach. First, I called my state senator's office AND assembly member's office on the same day - don't just leave messages, keep calling until you speak to a real person in constituent services. Tell them it's an urgent financial hardship. Second, I filed complaints with BOTH the Governor's office (there's an online form at ny.gov under "File a Complaint") AND the NY State Inspector General's office. The Inspector General complaint seemed to carry more weight. Third, and this was key - I wrote a formal letter (not just email) to the DOL Commissioner with copies to my elected officials stating that I was being denied due process and considering legal action. I sent it certified mail so they had to sign for it. Within 10 days of doing all three things, I got a call from a DOL supervisor who resolved my claim immediately. The key is hitting them from multiple angles at once so they can't ignore you. Don't do just one thing - do everything simultaneously to create pressure. Also keep detailed records of every contact attempt with dates and times. Good luck!

I'm dealing with a similar situation - been waiting 10 weeks for my claim to process with zero movement. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the multi-pronged approach that @Yara Assad outlined is the way to go. I had no idea about the expedited hardship review for claims over 6 weeks or that the Inspector General's office handles DOL complaints. One question - for those who successfully got through to elected officials, did you call their local district offices or the Albany/Capitol offices? I want to make sure I'm contacting the right numbers when I start making calls tomorrow. Also, when you sent that certified letter to the DOL Commissioner, did you include specific legal language about due process violations, or just explain your situation? This thread has been incredibly helpful - feels good to know I'm not alone in this nightmare and that there are actually concrete steps I can take beyond just waiting on hold for hours every day.

same boat here, hours got cut and bills piling up

I went through something similar last year when my employer cut everyone's hours due to "restructuring." The key thing that helped me was documenting everything - I kept all my old schedules showing full-time hours, new schedules showing the drastic cut, and even calculated how the reduced income was below my basic living expenses (rent, utilities, food). NYS DOL approved my claim because I could prove the hour reduction was substantial and made continuing employment economically unfeasible. Make sure you emphasize that you didn't have a choice - the employer's decision to cut your hours forced you into an impossible financial situation. It's not considered "voluntary" quitting when the working conditions become untenable through the employer's actions.