Getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify eligibility questions used to be impossible until I found claimyr.com. They help you actually reach a real agent who can explain your specific situation. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on.

Don't forget about the voluntary quit rules! If you quit for certain reasons like unsafe working conditions, domestic violence, or significant changes to your job terms, you might still be eligible. But the burden of proof is on you to show it was for good cause.

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.

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question! I had no idea I could switch and just set up direct deposit after reading this thread. should have done this months ago

I had SO much trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Calling their phone number was impossible - always busy or I'd get disconnected after waiting an hour. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much stress and got my claim moving again.

The NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare honestly. They make it so hard to get benefits even when you deserve them. I got fired from my last job for 'attendance issues' which was total BS and had to fight for months to get my benefits. Good luck dealing with their bureaucracy.

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!!!

Good luck! I was so worried when I got fired but the unemployment process was actually pretty straightforward. Just be honest about everything and keep all your documentation from your employer.