lmaooo good luck. i quit and got denied faster than my ex left me 🤣

Just wondering - what was your reason for quitting? That matters more than when you file tbh

One thing they don't tell you upfront - you have to actively search for work and keep a log of your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and you might get audited to prove you're looking for work. Keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and any responses you got.

@Natasha Petrov - I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my restaurant job. The whole process seemed overwhelming at first, but it's really not that bad once you break it down. Besides what Connor mentioned, also have your W-2 from last year ready and any separation paperwork your employer gave you (like a layoff notice). One tip that really helped me - call the NYS Department of Labor customer service line early in the morning (like 8:05 AM) right when they open. You'll have a much better chance of getting through than calling later in the day. The wait times can be brutal but if you have specific questions, talking to a real person helps a lot. Good luck!

Just want to add that you should always answer the weekly questions honestly. I know someone who tried to game the system and ended up with an overpayment notice. The NYS Department of Labor takes fraud seriously and it's just not worth the risk.

I went through the same thing when I first started filing! For job search activities, you definitely don't need to list every single application - just make sure you meet the minimum requirement (usually 3 activities per week). Keep a simple log with the date, company name, position, and method of contact. Screenshots aren't required but I'd recommend saving confirmation emails from job sites when you apply. Networking absolutely counts as a work search activity - just document who you spoke with and when. The most important thing is to file your weekly certification on time, even if you're not 100% sure about every detail. You can always call the DOL for clarification, and it's better to file on time than to miss the deadline while trying to get everything perfect.

Anyone else notice that scammers seem to be targeting people on specific days? I always get these fake texts on Mondays right after I certify my weekly benefits. Makes me think there's some kind of data breach happening.

This is such an important warning - thank you for posting this! I almost fell for a similar scam last week. Got a text saying my benefits were "under review" and I needed to update my direct deposit info within 24 hours or my payments would stop. The panic made me almost click the link before I caught myself. It's sick how these scammers know exactly how to push our buttons when we're already stressed about money. Everyone please share this with family/friends who might not be as aware of these tactics!

The unemployment system is so confusing for drivers though. I had to explain my work history going back like forever and they kept asking about why I had gaps between jobs. Like hello, sometimes there's downtime between companies!

I went through this exact situation last year after getting laid off from a regional carrier. As long as your employer paid into NY unemployment insurance and you meet the wage requirements, you should be fine. The fact that you drive across state lines doesn't matter - it's all about where your employer is registered and paying unemployment taxes. Make sure you have your pay stubs and separation notice ready when you apply. The online application is pretty straightforward, just be thorough with your work history details.