Here's everything you need to know about qualifying for NY unemployment: Earnings Requirements: - Minimum $3,100 in one quarter - Must have worked in 2 different quarters - Total earnings must be 1.5x your highest quarter Base Period: - Standard: First 4 of last 5 completed quarters - Alternate: Last 4 completed quarters if you don't qualify under standard Other Requirements: - Job loss not your fault - Must be ready and able to work - Need proper work authorization If you're having trouble reaching someone, use claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you to an agent. Saved me hours of frustration. Keep all your pay stubs and employment docs handy when you apply!

Just went through this myself! If you worked consistently for 3 months and made decent money, you might actually qualify. The key is calculating your base period earnings - if you started 3 months ago, they'll look at your earnings in the quarters you worked. Even if you don't meet the standard base period requirements, New York has an alternate base period that might work in your favor. I'd definitely recommend applying online at labor.ny.gov and seeing what happens. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. Also keep track of all your job search activities from day one - you'll need to report those weekly if you get approved. Good luck! 🤞

To directly address your situation: 1. Your backpay eligibility is preserved even though you've returned to work. The system maintains records of your certifications. 2. You need to submit a backdate request specifically for those missed weeks (July-September 2025). This is done by speaking with an agent. 3. Since you've returned to work, make sure to note the exact date you became employed again, as this will be important for determining your final eligible week. 4. Bring documentation of your job search activities for those weeks in question, as they may request this to verify eligibility for the back weeks. 5. Once resolved, payment typically arrives within 2-3 business days for all eligible back weeks at once. The technical term for what you need is a "backdated payment review" for weeks where certification was completed but payment was not issued.

I went through something similar earlier this year! My payments stopped in May and I didn't get them resolved until August. The most important thing is to be persistent and document everything. When you do get through to someone, ask them to check for any "adjudication flags" or "system holds" on your account - that's usually what causes the sudden payment stops. Also, since you're now working, make sure to tell them the exact date you returned to work so they can calculate your final eligible week correctly. They should be able to process all your backpay for July through September in one lump sum once they clear whatever is blocking your account. Don't give up - you're definitely entitled to that money for the weeks you properly certified!

ugh this is bringing back memories of my own nightmare with NYS Department of Labor appeals. took forever but i eventually got my benefits. the waiting is the worst part when youre already stressed about money

I went through a similar appeal process last year for attendance issues related to my son's medical appointments. The key thing that helped my case was showing that I had communicated with my supervisor about the situation and that the company didn't follow their own progressive discipline policy. Document everything - emails, texts, even notes from verbal conversations with dates. Also, check if your employee handbook mentions anything about accommodating family emergencies or childcare issues. The hearing officer will want to see that you made good faith efforts to address the attendance problems and that your employer didn't give you a fair chance to improve. Don't let them intimidate you - many of these misconduct denials get overturned when the employer can't prove willful misconduct.

I feel your pain, OP. Been there, done that. It's like trying to win the lottery just to talk to a human being. Have you tried calling right when they open? Sometimes that works for me.

I've been in the exact same situation and it's beyond frustrating! What finally worked for me was a combination of calling right at 8 AM sharp and using the auto-redial feature on my phone. I also found that Tuesday through Thursday tend to be slightly less busy than Mondays and Fridays. One thing that helped was having someone else call from a different phone at the same time - doubled my chances of getting through. Also, don't hang up if you get put on hold for a long time, even if it's been over an hour. I waited 2.5 hours once but finally got through. The key is persistence and not giving up. You got this!

The whole system is so confusing!! I don't understand why they make it so hard to get benefits when you really need them. Good luck with your claim.

I went through something similar last year when I was terminated from my job. The key thing to remember is that NYS Department of Labor looks at whether your actions were willful misconduct versus just poor performance or circumstances beyond your control. Transportation issues that caused tardiness might not be considered misconduct if you were making good faith efforts to get to work. When you file your claim, definitely mention the transportation challenges - it shows you weren't being deliberately negligent. Also, keep records of any documentation from your employer about the termination reason. The whole process can take a few weeks, so file as soon as possible. Don't let the "fired for cause" label discourage you from applying - many people in similar situations still qualify for benefits.