The NYS Department of Labor online system is a nightmare. Half the time it crashes right when you're submitting and you have to start over. Been dealing with this bureaucratic mess for weeks now. They make it deliberately complicated so people give up and don't file claims.

Few more tips for filling out the online application: 1) Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, 2) For wages, enter gross amount not net, 3) If you worked out of state during the base period you'll need to file an interstate claim, 4) Save screenshots of each page in case something goes wrong. The confirmation number at the end is super important - write it down immediately.

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify specific rules, I found claimyr.com really helpful for getting through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to a real person helps clear up these policy questions better than trying to interpret the website.

The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing! I thought if you work part-time while collecting you lose all your benefits but apparently you can still get partial payments? And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - three contacts per week but only certain types count??

just file one claim and report everything, its not that complicated

This whole system is ridiculous! They make it so confusing and then penalize you if you make a mistake. I had income from three different sources when I filed and it took WEEKS to sort out the adjudication because they kept asking for more documentation.

The whole system is such a pain honestly. I qualified for benefits but the adjudication process took forever and calling the NYS Department of Labor was impossible - always busy signals or getting disconnected. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.

Also make sure you file your weekly claim every week even if your initial claim is still being reviewed! I made the mistake of not filing weekly claims while waiting for my adjudication to complete and it caused issues with my benefit start date.

I had a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication because they thought I quit but I was actually laid off. Couldn't reach anyone for weeks until someone told me about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Honestly saved me so much stress because I was about to lose my apartment.

Another big one people don't realize is if you're not a US citizen or don't have work authorization you can't get unemployment benefits. Also if you're in school full time that can disqualify you because you're not considered available for work. The rules are pretty strict about being able and available.