The calculation is straightforward once you understand it. Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be Q1 2023 through Q4 2023. They take your highest quarter from that period and divide by 26. Just make sure you have all your pay stubs or W2s ready when you actually file.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. One thing to keep in mind is that the base period earnings requirement - you need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period AND at least $1,300 in your highest quarter to qualify. With your $58k salary you should be fine, but it's good to double check. Also, don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so factor that into your budgeting when you get your estimate.

lmaooo welcome to the circus that is ny unemployment. better start applying to wendys 🤡

Been there! I'm also in real estate and had to deal with this last year. The key is diversifying your search activities - I did a mix of real estate networking events, general job applications on Indeed/LinkedIn, and even attended some virtual career workshops. Make sure to document EVERYTHING with dates and screenshots. Also, don't just focus on job applications - informational interviews, professional meetups, and even updating your LinkedIn profile all count as valid work search activities. The meeting itself wasn't too bad once I had all my documentation organized. Good luck! 🍀

check your payment history on the website. sometimes it shows as released there before it hits your bank

Congrats on finally getting approved! I just went through the same thing last month. For me it was exactly 3 business days from that message to seeing the money in my account. The backpay all came at once in one lump sum which was nice. Just be patient a little longer - you're so close! 🙌

Great to hear you got some answers! This is actually a common issue with training programs and unemployment benefits. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation: 1. If you're in a state-approved training program, make sure to formally notify NYSDOL through the proper channels 2. Keep documentation of your enrollment and attendance 3. When certifying, there's usually a specific way to report training instead of regular work search activities 4. Always keep copies of any forms or verification documents you submit Once you submit that completed form, your pending weeks should be released within 7-10 business days.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - missing 2 weeks from my back pay that show as "pending review." Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like these system flags are pretty common with the new processing system they rolled out. Amy, glad you got connected to someone! For others still struggling to get through by phone, I've had some luck calling right at 8:00am on Wednesdays specifically. Also worth trying the secure messaging system multiple times - I sent 3 messages before getting a response, but they did eventually reply with specific instructions. One thing I learned from my workforce center advisor: if you're in any kind of training program or had ANY change in your situation during those weeks (even something small like a different address or phone number), it can trigger these manual review flags. The system seems really sensitive to any variation from your normal certification pattern.

depends what you need it for really. for most things the weekly confirmation emails are fine but banks and landlords usually want the official monetary determination

I went through this same situation a few months ago. The monetary determination letter is definitely your best bet - it's the most official document and shows all the key details like your weekly benefit amount and claim dates. I'd also recommend downloading and printing your payment history from my.ny.gov as backup. Most organizations accept either one, but having both gives you options depending on what they prefer to see.