I remember when I was on unemployment last year, I had the same question about partial credit. It took me weeks to figure out that it was actually helping me transition back to full-time work. The NYS Department of Labor system is designed to encourage people to take whatever work they can find while still providing support. Just keep reporting your earnings honestly and you'll be fine.

I went through the exact same confusion when I first started working part-time while on unemployment! The term "partial credit" is really misleading - it sounds like you're getting penalized, but it's actually the opposite. What they mean is that you're getting "partial" unemployment benefits because you're earning "partial" income from work. The NYS Department of Labor basically reduces your weekly benefit amount proportionally based on what you earned that week. So if you normally get $300/week in benefits but earned $100 working, they'll reduce your benefit payment but you'll still get something. It's their way of encouraging people to work whatever hours they can find while still providing support. Just keep reporting your earnings accurately each week and you'll be totally fine - you're doing everything right!

The whole system is so frustrating! I remember when I filed it took 3 weeks just to get my determination letter, then another week before the money actually showed up in my account. Make sure your direct deposit info is correct or add even more time for a debit card to arrive in the mail.

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 10 days ago and still waiting. What helped me was calling the automated phone line (888-209-8124) which at least confirmed my claim was received and being processed. The recording mentions that first-time filers should expect 2-3 weeks before seeing payments. Also double-check that you've completed all the required steps in your online account - sometimes there are additional forms or identity verification that can hold things up. Hang in there, the waiting is definitely the hardest part!

For anyone else reading this - the general rule is file immediately when you become unemployed. Don't wait to see if you'll get called back or find another job quickly. You can always stop claiming if your situation changes, but you can't usually get back those lost weeks if you file late.

This is exactly why I wish NYS Department of Labor would send out clearer guidance when people get laid off or terminated. So many of us make the same mistake of waiting because we think the situation might be temporary. @Paolo Conti - definitely be honest about waiting to see if you'd get called back, but also emphasize that you were ready and available for work during that time. Sometimes they're more understanding if you can show you were actively job searching even while hoping to return to your previous employer. The worst thing you can do is not file at all, so you're still better off than if you'd waited even longer.

Just remember you still need to meet all the job search requirements even while your claim is being processed. Don't skip that part thinking you have time to figure it out later.

One important thing to add - when you do start filing your weekly claims, make sure you're being completely honest about any work or income you had during each week. Even if you worked just one day or made a small amount of money, you need to report it. NYS Department of Labor will cross-reference with employers and the IRS, and failing to report income can result in overpayment penalties and potential fraud charges. It's better to report everything upfront and let them calculate your reduced benefit amount than to risk complications later.

Wait I thought there was a rule about not working more than 4 days? My friend said that but maybe she was wrong?

Just to add to what others have said - you can find the official earnings rules in the NYS Department of Labor handbook section 590. It clearly states that you can work while collecting UI as long as your total earnings don't exceed your weekly benefit rate. There's also no limit on the number of days you can work per week, just the earnings threshold. I keep a copy of the relevant pages saved on my phone because I do gig work and need to reference it often when calculating my weekly claims.