THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT NEEDING HELP!!! Trust me after dealing with NYS Department of Labor adjudication hell for months, the stress alone makes unemployment terrible. They treat you like a criminal for needing assistance.

Another thing to consider is that unemployment benefits aren't just about you - they're funded by employer taxes and are part of a broader economic system. When unemployment rates are high, it puts strain on state budgets and can affect funding for other programs. The NYS Department of Labor has to balance supporting people who genuinely need help while also maintaining incentives for people to return to work. That's why there are work search requirements and time limits - it's not meant to be punitive, but to ensure the system remains sustainable for everyone who needs it.

I'm in a similar situation - filed in mid-December and have been in adjudication for about 5 weeks now. What's really frustrating is the lack of communication. Even just an automated update saying "your claim is still being reviewed, estimated completion in X weeks" would help so much with the anxiety. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job applications and weekly certifications just in case, but the uncertainty is really wearing on me. Has anyone had success reaching out to their local career center for updates, or is it all handled centrally?

I'm going through the exact same thing - filed in early December and stuck in adjudication for 5+ weeks now. The lack of transparency is what's killing me. I've been trying to get through to someone who can at least tell me what they're reviewing, but it's impossible. I did try contacting my local One-Stop Career Center to see if they had any insight, but they told me adjudication is handled entirely by the central DOL office and they can't access those records. One thing I learned is that you can sometimes get more info by calling the employer services line instead of the claimant line - they're less busy and sometimes transfer you to someone who can actually help. Still waiting though. Hang in there, we're all in this together.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess. my employer "forgot" to give me my separation notice and then claimed i quit when i was actually laid off. took months to get it sorted out. definitely get everything in writing before you leave!

One thing I'd add is to also ask for documentation of any benefits you were receiving (health insurance, retirement contributions, etc.) and when they'll end. This info isn't needed for your unemployment claim but will be crucial for your COBRA election and other transition planning. Also, if you had any unused PTO or vacation days, make sure that payout is clearly documented on your final pay stub since that can affect your benefit calculation timing.

@Aisha Jackson, definitely file your claim today if you can! Even though you'll miss out on those 8 weeks of back pay, you're still eligible to file since it's been less than a year. And regarding your termination for "attendance issues" after complaining about safety violations - that could potentially be considered retaliation, which might help your case if your employer contests your claim. Make sure to document everything about those safety complaints when you file. The worst thing you can do is wait any longer and lose out on even more potential benefits.

I'm in a similar boat - got laid off from my retail job about 6 weeks ago and kept putting off filing because I thought I'd find something quickly. This thread is a real wake-up call about how much money I'm probably losing by waiting. Does anyone know if there are any differences in the filing process or requirements when you wait this long to apply? Like do they ask more questions about why you didn't file sooner, or is it pretty much the same process as filing right away?

The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing about this stuff! I thought minimum wage going up would automatically boost everyone's unemployment but apparently that's not how it works at all. Wish they explained this better when you file.

I went through the same confusion when I first filed! The key thing to understand is that NYS Department of Labor uses your actual wage history from the "base period" (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). So if you earned $14/hour during those quarters, that's what they use - not the current minimum wage. Your weekly benefit is typically about half of your average weekly wage during your highest-earning quarter, up to the state maximum. The minimum wage changes only affect future earnings requirements, not past wage calculations for existing claims.