OMG this is so stressful! I've been dealing with the same exact issue all morning. The website keeps timing out right after I enter my login info. I'm a single mom and really can't afford to miss this week's payment. Has anyone tried using a VPN to see if that helps? Sometimes switching your location can get around server issues. Also wondering if anyone knows what time the system usually gets fixed when this happens? I have to work tonight so I'm hoping it's back up soon 😰

I'm having the exact same problem! Been trying since 7am and the site just keeps spinning after login. This is my first time dealing with a system outage like this and I'm honestly panicking a bit. I work part-time retail and every week of benefits really matters for my budget. Reading through all these comments is both reassuring (that it's not just me) and terrifying (that this happens regularly). Going to try the phone line at 1-888-581-5812 that people mentioned. Really hoping this gets fixed soon because the stress of not knowing when I'll be able to certify is making me sick to my stomach. Why can't they at least post updates on their website when these outages happen so we know what's going on?? 😤

TBH you're better off focusing on finding a job that doesn't require heavy lifting than wasting time on unemployment applications you won't qualify for. There's lots of WFH jobs these days that don't require any physical labor. That's your best bet with back problems.

I'm in a somewhat similar boat - limited work history due to health issues. One thing I'd suggest is looking into your state's vocational rehabilitation services. They can help with job training, placement assistance, and even provide accommodations for your back problems. It might be a better long-term solution than just relying on benefits. They often work with people who have physical limitations to find sustainable employment options. Worth checking out while you're exploring the SSI route.

just applied for both when i lost my job in december. got approved for medicaid within like 2 weeks and it backdated to when i applied. unemployment took longer to kick in but having the health coverage was such a relief

Just wanted to add that when you apply for medicaid while on unemployment, make sure to have your award letter from DOL handy - they'll want to see proof of your weekly benefit amount. Also, if your unemployment runs out and you're still looking for work, you can update your medicaid application to reflect the income change, which might make you eligible for even more coverage. The income limits change every year so it's worth checking even if you think you make too much!

File online through my.ny.gov - much easier than calling. You'll answer questions about why you left your job and NYS Department of Labor will make the determination. With your work history you should definitely qualify wage-wise, and the hour reduction sounds like valid good cause to me.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! i never know if i qualify for anything. good luck though, hope it works out better than my experience with NYS Department of Labor

I see from your other comments that you've been certifying regularly - that's good. One other thing to check: log into your NY.gov account and make sure your payment method is correctly set up. Sometimes when there's an issue with a claim, the system might revert to a default payment method like debit card even if you originally selected direct deposit. It's worth verifying while you're waiting to speak with someone.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed a contest on my monetary determination three weeks ago because I thought they miscalculated my earnings, but then realized I was wrong about how the base period works. The waiting is absolutely killing me financially. I've tried calling dozens of times with no success - their phone system is a nightmare. Based on what others are saying here, it sounds like we just have to wait for the review process to complete even though we want to withdraw the contest. At least we can keep certifying in the meantime. Hang in there - you're not alone in this mess!