Just want to add - make sure your base period wages are calculated correctly. Sometimes there can be issues if your employer didn't report wages properly before you were incarcerated. You might need to provide pay stubs or other documentation to verify your work history. Also be prepared that your claim might go into adjudication while they review your case, which can add several weeks to the process.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago after being released. The process was definitely nerve-wracking but it worked out. A few things that helped me: First, gather all your employment documents from before incarceration - W2s, pay stubs, anything that proves your work history. Second, when you file online, there's a section where you can explain gaps in employment - be honest but brief. Third, start documenting your job search immediately with dates, company names, and how you applied. I kept a simple spreadsheet that saved me when they asked for proof later. The waiting period was tough (about 4 weeks for me) but I did get approved. Don't let the fear stop you from applying - you earned those benefits through your previous work. Good luck!

UPDATE: Finally got through! The issue was that I had a "wage verification hold" on my account. Apparently my employer reported different quarterly wages than what I had stated on my application (difference of like $240 total). The supervisor was able to verify my income using my tax documents and release ALL my held payments! They're scheduled to deposit tomorrow. Such a relief. Thank you all for your help and suggestions - especially about asking for the specific hold code and requesting a claim summary. That immediately helped the supervisor identify the issue.

Congratulations on getting it resolved! This is such a helpful thread - I'm bookmarking it for future reference. It's crazy how a $240 discrepancy can hold up weeks of payments, but at least now we know to ask about wage verification holds specifically. Your persistence really paid off, and thanks for taking the time to update us with the solution!

I went through this same calculation last year when I was laid off from my warehouse job. The key thing to remember is that NYS looks at your "base period" which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at roughly April 2023 through March 2024. With your steady work history at $400/week, you should definitely qualify. I'd estimate you'll get somewhere between $180-200 per week, but definitely use that online calculator someone mentioned - it's more accurate than guessing. Also heads up that benefits max out at 26 weeks unless there are extensions, so start looking for work right away if you do get laid off.

Just to add some perspective from someone who recently went through this process - I was making about $380/week when I got laid off in September. My weekly benefit ended up being $186, which was pretty close to the 50% estimate others mentioned. The application process itself wasn't too bad, but make sure you have all your employment dates and employer info ready. Also, don't wait to file if you do lose your job - there's a waiting period before benefits start, so the sooner you apply the better. One thing that surprised me was they required me to do work search activities even though I was told it was a temporary layoff. Just something to keep in mind for budgeting purposes.

This is so unfair! How are we supposed to survive when they take most of our benefits for back support? The whole system is broken.

If you're concerned about the deduction amount, you might want to contact your local child support enforcement office to discuss a payment plan modification. Sometimes they can work with you to adjust the amount being taken from your unemployment benefits, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You can also request that they leave you with enough to cover basic living expenses - there are usually minimum amounts they have to leave you with. Document everything and keep records of all your communications with both the child support office and NYS Department of Labor.

Just went through this exact situation a couple months ago when my manufacturing plant shut down. You definitely don't need a termination letter - I filed my claim the same day I got laid off and only had verbal notice too. The NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty efficient about verifying everything with my former employer. One tip though: make sure you file as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get retroactive payments for weeks you didn't file. The online system walks you through everything step by step, and as long as you're honest about the layoff circumstances, you should be fine. Good luck!

Just to add another perspective - I was in a similar situation last month when my retail job ended due to "restructuring" (basically they eliminated my position). Like others said, you absolutely don't need a termination letter. The NYS DOL system is actually designed to handle situations where people get verbal notice or sudden layoffs. When I filed online, I just selected "laid off" as the reason and wrote a brief explanation in the comments section about the budget cuts. They processed my claim without any issues. The key is filing quickly and being completely honest about what happened. Don't stress about the lack of paperwork - it's more common than you think!