I work as a case specialist with unemployment claims and wanted to add some clarity here. NYS DOL uses a three-part test for misconduct: 1) The action must be connected to work, 2) It must be willful or deliberate, and 3) It must show disregard for the employer's interests. Simply asking questions about a confusing policy fails all three tests - you were trying to do your job better, not worse. The fact that you weren't written up before is huge in your favor. During your fact-finding interview, stick to the facts: you asked questions to clarify a policy so you could follow it correctly. That's responsible employee behavior, not misconduct. Most employers who claim "insubordination" for legitimate questions are just trying to avoid their unemployment tax obligations. Stay calm and factual during the interview - you've got this!

I just went through this exact situation about 3 months ago and wanted to share what I learned. My employer tried to claim misconduct when I questioned a new dress code policy that seemed discriminatory. The NYS DOL investigator was really thorough and asked specific questions about my intent, whether I followed proper procedures, and if I had any prior warnings. What really helped my case was that I could demonstrate I was asking questions in good faith to understand how to comply, not to be defiant. I also had witnesses who could confirm I was respectful in how I approached the situation. The whole process took about 4 weeks, but I was approved because they determined that seeking clarification on workplace policies is actually encouraged employee behavior. One tip: when they call for your interview, have a written timeline ready with specific dates and details. It shows you're taking the process seriously and helps you stay focused during what can be a nerve-wracking conversation. Based on what you've described, you should be in good shape!

Glad to see you got it resolved! For anyone else dealing with NY unemployment phone issues, I've found that calling right when they open (8:00 AM sharp) gives you the best chance. Also keep the 518-402-0205 number handy - seems like that's the most direct line for hearing-related issues. The email option (UIABOfficialMailbox@labor.ny.gov) is also clutch as a backup if you can't get through by phone. Thanks for sharing all the helpful info in this thread!

This whole thread is a goldmine of information! As someone who's been lurking in this community for a while, I really appreciate how everyone jumped in to help Gabriel with specific phone numbers and strategies. The NY unemployment system is notorious for being impossible to reach, so having these direct contact methods saved in one place is incredibly valuable. Special shoutout to Eloise for providing all four cancellation options - that comprehensive list should be pinned somewhere! It's awesome to see the community come together like this to help each other navigate these bureaucratic nightmares.

This whole system is such a mess. Why can't they just have a simple 'download verification letter' button that actually works? Everything with NYS Department of Labor is needlessly complicated and their website is terrible.

Another option is to check if your local One-Stop Career Center can help you get the verification letter. They often have direct connections to the Department of Labor and can sometimes expedite these requests. I got mine printed out same day when I went in person to the center in my area. You can find your local center on the DOL website.

I've been getting way2go deposits for about 6 weeks now and this thread has been a lifesaver! Based on everyone's advice, I started certifying every Sunday by 10 PM and now my deposits hit like clockwork Tuesday between 3-4 AM. The game changer for me was setting up those push notifications through the way2go app - no more obsessively checking my balance at 2 AM! One additional tip I discovered: if you have multiple unemployment weeks to certify (like if you missed a week), try to do them all on Sunday night rather than spreading them out. I made the mistake of certifying one week Sunday and another Monday, and only the Sunday one came Tuesday - the Monday certification didn't hit until Wednesday. Also, for anyone still struggling with timing, I found that checking your payment status on NY.gov around 1 AM Tuesday morning can give you a heads up if the deposit is coming that day or if there's a delay. The "payment issued" status usually shows up there a few hours before it actually hits your way2go card.

I've been getting way2go deposits for about 7 months now and wanted to share something that might help with the timing uncertainty. After tracking my deposits for several months, I discovered that the exact time can vary even when you certify consistently. What really helped me was calling way2go customer service at 1-866-313-6901 early Tuesday morning (around 6 AM) if my deposit hasn't hit yet. They can tell you if it's "in process" which gives you peace of mind that it's coming, just running a bit late. I also learned that if you have direct deposit set up with a regular bank account in addition to the way2go card, the bank deposit often hits 2-3 hours earlier than the card deposit, even though it's the same payment batch from NYS DOL. One more tip: if you ever need to speak to someone at DOL about deposit issues and can't get through their phone lines, I had success using an online service that helps you get connected to unemployment representatives. It saved me hours of being on hold when I had a payment issue last month.

just file and see what happens tbh. worst they can do is say no right? i worked part time when i was on unemployment and it was fine

I work for NYS Department of Labor and can confirm that you can definitely file for unemployment benefits while working part-time! The key things to remember: 1) Report ALL earnings on your weekly certification - even if it's just $1, 2) You can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit rate without any reduction to your UI benefits, 3) After that threshold, benefits are reduced but not eliminated, and 4) You must still be available for full-time work and actively job searching. With your part-time income of $180/week, you'll likely still receive a significant portion of your unemployment benefits. Don't let the part-time job stop you from filing - many people are in similar situations and the system is designed to help workers transitioning between jobs.