I just started filing unemployment claims a few days ago and was having this exact same worry! I've been so paranoid about every aspect of the process, including whether using my laptop versus my phone to file would somehow flag my account. This entire thread has been incredibly enlightening - especially learning that IP tracking is just basic fraud prevention rather than detailed surveillance. What really helped me understand is the distinction everyone keeps making between temporary travel and actually relocating. I have a work-related training conference coming up in two weeks in another city, and I was genuinely considering not attending because I was so worried about filing from there. But reading all these real experiences from people who travel regularly while collecting benefits has shown me I was completely overthinking it. The bottom line seems to be: if you can honestly answer that you're able and available for work in your designated area, then where you physically submit your weekly claim doesn't matter. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is such a valuable resource for newcomers like me who are still figuring out how all this works!

I just filed my first unemployment claim yesterday and this whole thread has been a massive relief! I was literally terrified about filing from anywhere other than my home desk, even worried about whether using different browsers might somehow matter. Reading everyone's real experiences and the technical explanation about IP tracking being basic fraud prevention rather than GPS surveillance has completely changed my understanding. What really resonated with me is how many people emphasized focusing on **genuine work availability** rather than getting caught up in technical filing details. I have a job fair coming up next month in a neighboring city and was actually considering not going because I was so anxious about filing my weekly claim from there - now I realize that's completely backwards thinking since attending job fairs is exactly what I should be doing! It's amazing how this community helps newcomers like me separate real requirements from imaginary fears. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - I feel so much more confident about maintaining a normal job search while collecting benefits.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and it's so frustrating! I made the same mistake with my mother's maiden name when I set up my account. Reading through all these suggestions is really helpful - I had no idea there were so many different ways to try resolving this. I'm going to start with the identity proofing method that Liam mentioned since that seems like it might be the fastest option, and if that doesn't work I'll try the early morning chat that Micah suggested. It's crazy how hard it is to access your own unemployment benefits when you need them most. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not the only one who's been through this nightmare!

I had this same problem a few months back! What saved me was finding the "My Account Settings" section after logging into ny.gov with any method that works (even if it's not your main account). Sometimes you can access account recovery tools from there that aren't visible on the main login page. Also, if you have any old emails from when you first set up unemployment, they sometimes contain hints about what information you used. I found an old confirmation email that reminded me I had used my mom's maiden name with her middle initial included, which I had completely forgotten about. Worth checking your email archives before trying the more complex solutions!

same here, been pending for 3 days now

I work as a benefits counselor and see this "pending $0" issue frequently. The "able and available verification" that you found means NYS DOL needs proof you're actively seeking work and available to accept employment. You'll need to upload your job search log (showing at least 3 job contacts per week) and possibly complete a questionnaire about your availability. Don't wait - the sooner you submit the required documentation, the faster your payments will resume. You can usually find the upload portal in the "Required Actions" or "Correspondence" section of your account.

Just wanted to add another perspective on the timing aspect - I went through a similar situation when I injured my back in a warehouse accident. One thing that caught me off guard was that there can be a waiting period before workers comp payments start (usually about a week in NY), so make sure you have some emergency funds if possible to cover that gap. Also, if your injury ends up being more serious than initially expected and takes longer to heal, workers comp should continue to cover you - don't let anyone pressure you to return to work before you're medically cleared. The construction industry can be tough about this stuff, but your health comes first. Document everything your doctor tells you about restrictions and recovery timeline. And definitely keep all your medical appointments - missing them can sometimes be used against you in the workers comp process. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to ask questions throughout the process!

Hey Malik, I'm really sorry to hear about your accident - that sounds incredibly scary and stressful. I've been through the workers comp process myself after a workplace injury, and I just wanted to emphasize what others have said about acting quickly. Even though you're a contractor, New York's workers comp laws are pretty good about covering construction workers regardless of employment classification. The key thing is that this happened while you were working, so you should definitely be covered. I'd also suggest asking your doctor for detailed documentation of your work restrictions - not just "can't work" but specific limitations like "no weight bearing on left leg" or "cannot climb ladders." This helps a lot with both the workers comp claim and potentially with unemployment later if you need to look for modified duty work. Also, if your employer or their insurance company tries to send you to their own doctor for a second opinion, that's normal - just make sure you keep seeing your own doctor too. Don't let them pressure you into accepting a settlement too quickly either. Take care of yourself and don't rush the healing process!

I'm currently going through this process right now and wanted to share what I've learned so far. Like you, I was worried about whether having a criminal record would affect my eligibility, but after reading through the NY Department of Labor guidelines, I found out that they focus primarily on your work history and earnings during the base period. The fact that you worked for 2 years at a warehouse before your sentence is really important - that shows you have substantial work credits. I'm about 3 weeks into my application process and while it's been slow, the caseworker I spoke with was professional and didn't make me feel judged about my situation. One tip: when you file online, make sure you have your Social Security number, employment dates, employer contact information, and reason for separation ready. Also, be prepared for the weekly certification process where you'll need to report your job search activities. It's actually helped keep me motivated to actively look for work. Don't give up - you earned these benefits through your previous employment and you have every right to apply for them.

I went through this same situation about 8 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. You absolutely can collect unemployment after incarceration in NY - your criminal record doesn't disqualify you from benefits you earned through prior work. Since you worked 2 years at the warehouse, you should have enough work credits. When I applied online through ny.gov, I had to provide employment history, wages, and dates, but they didn't ask directly about incarceration. However, during the phone interview (which took about 3 weeks to get scheduled), they did ask about the employment gap and I was honest about it. The key things that helped me: 1) Had all my W-2s and pay stubs organized beforehand, 2) Registered with the NYS job bank immediately after filing, 3) Started documenting job searches right away (you need 3 work search activities per week), and 4) Connected with a local American Job Center for additional support. The whole process took about 6 weeks total, but I did receive back pay from my filing date. One more tip - consider reaching out to reentry organizations like The Fortune Society or STRIVE - they understand the system and can provide job search support that counts toward your weekly requirements. You paid into unemployment insurance through your warehouse job, so you've earned the right to these benefits. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise!