Also remember you can only collect benefits for 26 weeks maximum in NY unless there's some special program running. And you have to do the job search requirements every week or they'll cut you off.

One thing I'd add is that you should apply as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a one-week waiting period in NY before you can start receiving benefits, and the longer you wait to file, the more money you're potentially leaving on the table. I made the mistake of waiting three weeks thinking I'd find something quickly, and I basically lost out on those potential benefit weeks since you can't backdate your claim very far. Also, even if you think you might not qualify for some reason, it's worth applying anyway - the worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised.

Another thing to check - if you're seeing "pending adjudication" make sure you've submitted all required documents. Sometimes they send you a notice requesting pay stubs, separation letter, or other proof but people miss it. Check your online account for any "correspondence" or "messages" section. I missed a document request for 2 weeks because I didn't realize they had sent me something through the portal instead of regular mail. Once I uploaded what they needed, my claim moved forward pretty quickly.

One more tip - if you're stuck in adjudication, you can also check the "Monetary Determination" section in your account. This will show if they've calculated your benefit amount, which is a good sign that the basic eligibility stuff is approved and they're just reviewing specific details. Also, keep certifying your weekly claims even while in adjudication - you'll get backpay for those weeks once it's resolved. I made the mistake of stopping my weekly certifications thinking there was no point, and it just created more delays when my claim finally got approved.

Just FYI for anyone reading this - if you switch from check to direct deposit mid-claim, there can be a 1-2 week delay while NYS Department of Labor processes the change. Don't panic if your first direct deposit doesn't come exactly when expected.

I've been getting my NYS unemployment direct deposits at around 2:45 AM on Tuesdays with TD Bank. One thing I learned is that holiday weeks can push it back a day, so if Monday is a federal holiday expect it Wednesday instead. Also make sure you're checking the right account - I accidentally had mine going to an old savings account for two weeks before I realized!

I've been dealing with this same concern for months! I'm a remote worker who sometimes travels to visit clients or family, and I was constantly worried about filing from different locations. What really helped me was realizing that the NYS DOL cares about your **work availability**, not your filing location. I've filed from coffee shops, hotels, and family homes across multiple counties without any issues. The key is being able to honestly answer "yes" when they ask if you're able and available for work. As long as you can realistically accept a job offer in your designated labor market area and return for work when needed, temporary travel while filing is perfectly normal. I think many of us newcomers to unemployment benefits overthink the technical aspects when the real focus should just be on maintaining genuine job search efforts and availability. Don't let location anxiety prevent you from living your life or handling necessary travel!

As someone who just started filing unemployment claims last week, this entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I was getting really anxious about having to file from my parents' house this weekend when I visit them in the next county over. Reading everyone's experiences - especially the technical explanation about IP addresses and the clarification about temporary vs. permanent location changes - has really put my fears to rest. It sounds like the main thing is being honest about work availability rather than stressing about where you physically submit the claim. I can definitely say I'm able and available for work regardless of where I'm visiting, so I think I was overthinking this whole thing. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's so reassuring for us newbies to hear that occasional travel while filing is totally normal!

I went through a similar situation about 8 months ago and wanted to share what I learned. The key thing that helped my case was getting a detailed letter from my psychiatrist that specifically outlined how my depression and anxiety prevented me from performing essential job functions - not just that I had these conditions, but exactly how they impacted my work capacity. I also had to prove I made good faith efforts to address the situation before leaving. In my case, I had requested schedule changes and reduced customer interaction duties, but my employer couldn't accommodate them. The whole process took about 10 weeks from filing to getting my first payment, and I had to do a phone interview where they asked very specific questions about my medical situation and work history. One thing that really helped was contacting a local legal aid organization that had experience with unemployment cases - they helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed and how to present my case. The process is definitely stressful, but it is possible to get approved if you have the right medical evidence and can show you exhausted other options first.

I'm a social worker who has helped several clients navigate this exact situation in NY. One thing I want to emphasize is that timing is crucial - don't quit your job until you have all your documentation in order and have explored accommodations with your employer first. The NYS Department of Labor looks very carefully at whether you made reasonable efforts to preserve your employment before leaving. I'd recommend getting a comprehensive evaluation from a licensed mental health professional that specifically addresses your work capacity and functional limitations. Also, consider applying for FMLA leave first if you're eligible - this gives you job protection while you get treatment and figure out your next steps. If you do end up needing to file for unemployment, be prepared for the adjudication process to take 8-12 weeks, so make sure you have some financial cushion or other support systems in place. Feel free to reach out if you need help finding mental health resources or legal aid organizations in your area - there are people who want to help you through this.