am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to get help when we're already stressed about losing our jobs? 🤔 the system is broken af

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling on different days of the week. I found that Tuesdays and Wednesdays around 10am seemed to have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. Also, have your unemployment insurance number ready if you already have one from your initial application - it speeds things up a lot. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get through, the system is overwhelmed but the reps are generally helpful once you reach them.

Awesome news! Quick question - when you get the back pay, is it all in one lump sum or do they spread it out over several weeks? Also do you know if they pay interest on the delayed benefits?

This is such an inspiring story! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - my claim was denied because my employer said I abandoned my job, but I actually resigned due to unsafe working conditions. Reading about your success gives me hope that the appeals process can actually work when you have the evidence to back up your case. Did you have any specific documentation that was particularly helpful in proving your side? I'm trying to gather everything I can before my hearing.

The real question is how tf are people still able to steal identities for unemployment so easily?? Like hasn't the system been improved at ALL since the pandemic when this was happening constantly? It's ridiculous that we're still dealing with this in 2023.

This is such a nightmare - I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I went through something similar last year and it was absolutely maddening. The combination of identity theft + NY's impossible phone system is like a perfect storm of frustration. Based on reading through all these responses, it sounds like you have two solid options: 1) Contact your state rep (assembly person or senator) - they really do have special channels and can escalate your case, or 2) Try that claimyr.com service that multiple people mentioned to actually get through to a human. I'd probably try the state rep route first since it's free, but if that doesn't work quickly enough, the calling service might be worth the cost for your peace of mind. The key thing is don't give up - this CAN be resolved, it just takes persistence with the right approach. Keep us posted on what works!

Thanks for mentioning taxes - I hadn't even thought about that part. I'll make sure to set aside some of the unemployment money for taxes if I get approved. And that's good to know about partial unemployment too, in case they eventually bring us back but only part-time at first.

Carmen, I went through almost the exact same situation with a boutique hotel in Brooklyn last year. They kept promising a "soft reopening" that never happened while I waited around for 5 months like a fool. The worst part was watching my savings disappear while holding onto false hope. Here's what I wish I'd known earlier: File for unemployment IMMEDIATELY - you've already waited too long. In NY, you're eligible the moment you have no work and no pay, regardless of your employment status on paper. I lost out on thousands in benefits because I believed my manager's promises. Also, start documenting everything NOW if you haven't already. Screenshot every text, save every email, write down dates of phone calls. When (not if) this drags on longer, you'll need proof of their promises for both unemployment and potential legal action. My hotel eventually sold to developers and became luxury condos. All of us who waited got nothing but a generic "thanks for your service" email. Don't let loyalty to a company that's stringing you along cost you the financial support you're entitled to. The billion-dollar corporation will be fine - make sure YOU are too.

My neighbor retired at 62 and tried to file for unemployment because she heard you could. NYS Department of Labor denied her claim immediately. She wasted weeks trying to appeal it before giving up. Don't bother unless you have a really unusual situation.

Just to add some clarity for anyone reading this thread - the key requirement for unemployment benefits in NY is that you must be "able and available for work" and actively seeking employment. When you voluntarily retire, you're essentially stating that you don't want to work anymore, which directly contradicts this requirement. Even if you change your mind later and want to return to work, the initial voluntary retirement would still disqualify you. The only real exceptions might be if your retirement was actually involuntary (like a forced early retirement due to company restructuring) or if there were discriminatory factors involved. But standard voluntary retirement? Definitely not eligible.