Just as an update, my payment just hit my account about 10 minutes ago! Check yours, maybe it's coming through now.

Glad to hear payments are starting to come through! I'm still waiting on mine but feeling much more optimistic now. This community is so helpful - it's reassuring to know when these delays happen that it's usually a system-wide issue and not something wrong with our individual claims. I'll definitely bookmark this thread for future reference if this happens again. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and updates!

Just want to say be really careful about this decision. Even if you think you have good cause, NYS Department of Labor can be unpredictable about approvals. Maybe try taking FMLA leave first if your situation qualifies? That might buy you time to figure out other options.

I've been through this exact situation and want to share what I learned. NYS Department of Labor does have "good cause" exceptions, but the bar is pretty high. For hostile work environment, you need more than just feeling uncomfortable - you need documented harassment, safety violations, or significant changes to your job terms. I'd recommend keeping a detailed log with dates, times, witnesses, and any written evidence (emails, texts, policy changes). Also consider if there are any protected class issues involved (discrimination based on race, gender, etc.) as those strengthen your case. Before quitting, try to exhaust internal remedies first - file complaints with HR, document their responses (or lack thereof), and consider reaching out to relevant agencies like OSHA or EEOC. This shows you made good faith efforts to resolve the situation. The appeals process can take months, so make sure you have a financial backup plan. Good luck!

Had a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my benefit duration. Their phone lines are constantly busy and the online chat never works. If you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Finally got my questions answered about my benefit year after weeks of trying on my own.

just make sure you dont work any part time while collecting or they'll reduce your benefits. learned that the hard way when I picked up some freelance work

Just to add - when you file online make sure you have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The system will ask for your last day of work and reason for separation, so have those details ready. Don't stress too much about getting everything perfect on the first try - you can always call later to make corrections if needed.

That would definitely be a layoff due to lack of work. NYS Department of Labor has specific categories and 'lack of work' or 'business closure/downsizing' would be the right selection. Budget cuts that eliminate positions fall under that category, so you should qualify for benefits assuming you meet the other requirements like having enough earnings in your base period.

ofc their system is broken again 🙄 water is wet. But seriously go check r/NYunemployment - bunch of people saying theres a system wide delay this week affecting payments. Some people on there said payments are delayed 3-4 days because of a "system migration" whatever that means

I had this EXACT same issue about 6 weeks ago - certified on Monday, nothing showed up for over a week. Turns out there was some random flag on my account that needed manual review, but the system never told me about it. I finally got through using one of those callback services people mentioned here (used Claimyr after reading about it) and the agent cleared it immediately. Payment showed up the next day. Don't wait too long hoping it fixes itself - these delays usually mean there's something that needs human intervention. The automated system is garbage at communicating what's actually wrong.