


Ask the community...
The NYS Department of Labor system is completely broken. They put everyone in adjudication and then take forever to process anything. I've been waiting 4 weeks and still no answers!
While you're waiting, make sure you keep certifying your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. If your claim gets approved, you'll receive back payments for all the weeks you certified. Also double-check that you're meeting the job search requirements - you need to log 3 work search activities per week in the system.
Wait I'm confused - if you get fired do you still have to do the job search requirements? I thought that was only if you quit or got laid off. This whole unemployment thing is so complicated!!!
The whole system is messed up honestly. These small businesses get squeezed by wage mandates then workers like us get thrown under the bus. At least unemployment exists but the NYS Department of Labor makes it unnecessarily complicated to apply. Make sure you document EVERYTHING about your job loss because they'll question every detail.
File your claim immediately - don't wait! You can apply online through my.ny.gov and the process is pretty straightforward. The minimum wage amount doesn't matter for eligibility, only that you worked and earned wages. Since your employer cited financial reasons rather than performance issues, you should have a smooth approval process. Just be honest about the circumstances and keep records of your job search activities since you'll need to certify weekly that you're looking for work.
Direct deposit has been available the whole time, but a lot of people get automatically enrolled in the debit card program and don't realize they can switch. Some accounts have restrictions though - if you have any overpayment issues or your claim is under review they might lock you into the debit card temporarily.
Nia Thompson
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I tried to file my second claim because their phone lines are always busy. If you run into that problem, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than sitting on hold for hours.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?
0 coins
Nia Thompson
•They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me probably 6 hours of trying to get through on my own.
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
Just make sure you file as soon as possible after your layoff date. The sooner you apply, the sooner your claim can be processed. And yes, multiple claims are totally normal - lots of people in construction, retail, and other industries file regularly when work is seasonal or unstable.
0 coins