Just FYI the office hours posted online aren't always accurate. I drove to the Syracuse office during their posted hours and they were closed for 'staff training'. Always call first if you're making a special trip, even though getting through is hard.

I had a similar issue with flagged claims in the Albany area. What worked for me was going to the career center early in the morning (like 8:30 AM sharp) and asking to speak with someone about "claim resolution" rather than just general unemployment questions. They were more likely to help with specific claim issues rather than just directing me to call the phone line. Also bring all your documentation - pay stubs, separation notice, any correspondence from DOL. Sometimes they can at least tell you what's causing the flag even if they can't fix it on the spot.

I'm at week 8 and just got hit with a similar situation - they suggested a job paying $41K when I was making $82K before (exactly 50% like yours!). This entire thread has been a lifesaver in understanding that I actually have rights here and don't have to just accept whatever they throw at me. The consistent advice about being professional but specific with the percentages is so helpful. I'm going to email my counselor something like: "Thank you for the suggestion, however this position at $41,000 represents only 50% of my previous salary of $82,000, which falls significantly below the 80% threshold during my first 13 weeks of benefits. I will continue searching for positions more aligned with my qualifications and experience level." What's really reassuring is seeing so many people successfully navigate this exact scenario. I was honestly panicking when I first got the suggestion because I thought refusing ANY job offer would automatically cut my benefits. The documentation advice is gold too - I'm starting a detailed spreadsheet today to track everything. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and specific language suggestions. This thread should honestly be required reading for anyone starting an unemployment claim in NY!

I'm at week 10 and facing the exact same situation! They just suggested a position paying $39K when I was making $78K previously - literally 50% of my previous salary. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly reassuring that I can decline this without jeopardizing my benefits. The consistent advice throughout this thread about being professional but specific is spot-on. I'm planning to respond with something like: "Thank you for thinking of me for this opportunity. However, this position at $39,000 represents only 50% of my previous salary of $78,000, which falls well below the 80% threshold applicable during the first 13 weeks of my claim period. I will continue my active search for positions that better align with my qualifications and experience." What really stands out is how many people are dealing with these inappropriate early suggestions - it seems like it's almost standard for them to test the waters with lowball offers. But seeing everyone successfully handle it while maintaining their benefits gives me confidence this is the right approach. I've already started the documentation spreadsheet that several people recommended, and I'm going to update my work search plan today to emphasize my certifications. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed, practical advice - this thread has been invaluable!

I'm facing this same situation in a few weeks and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just got a job offer and will be starting soon, but I'm really anxious about the income gap. Reading everyone's experiences makes it crystal clear that I need to stop filing immediately when I start work, even though those 2-3 weeks with no income are going to be really challenging. I'm definitely going to try some of the suggestions here - asking HR about paycheck advances during onboarding, looking into local food assistance programs, and maybe setting up a small emergency loan with my credit union beforehand. It's scary but I'd rather deal with a temporary financial crunch than risk getting hit with an overpayment demand months later. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it really helps to know so many people have successfully navigated this transition!

I'm literally starting my new job on Monday and this thread has been a godsend! I've been unemployed for 5 months and the thought of stopping my weekly claims right when I start work - knowing I won't get paid for another 2.5 weeks - has been giving me serious anxiety. But after reading everyone's experiences, especially the overpayment horror stories, I know there's no choice but to be completely honest and stop filing immediately. I'm going to spend this weekend calling my credit union about emergency loan options and researching food banks in my area. The meal prep advice with cheap staples like rice and beans is really practical too. It's scary but I keep reminding myself this is temporary - just a few tough weeks before I'm back to steady income. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and making me feel less alone in this stressful transition!

I'm dealing with a similar discharge situation right now and this thread is super helpful! Just wanted to add that when you file online, the NYS Department of Labor system will walk you through different scenarios and ask specific questions about why your employment ended. They don't just give you a simple "fired" vs "discharged" dropdown - they'll ask things like "Were you told your performance was unsatisfactory?" or "Did you violate company policy?" So even though the terminology might seem confusing, the actual filing process is designed to capture the real circumstances. I'd recommend having your termination paperwork handy when you start the application so you can reference the exact reasons they gave you.

Just went through this exact same thing a few months ago! "Discharge" definitely threw me off at first too - it sounds so formal and scary. But yeah, it's literally just the official term NYS Department of Labor uses for "fired" or "terminated." The important thing isn't the word they use, but the reason behind it. Since your paperwork says "attendance issues," that could go either way depending on the specifics. Were these unexcused absences or did you have legitimate reasons like medical appointments, family emergencies, etc.? If you had valid reasons and documentation, that works in your favor. The DOL will do their own investigation and contact both you and your employer to get the full story. Don't stress too much about the terminology - focus on gathering your evidence and being completely honest when you file. Even if there's an initial denial, you can always appeal with additional documentation.

For what it's worth, I just went through this process last month. The KeyBank debit card does come automatically once your first payment is processed - no action needed on your part. But I'd echo what others said about considering direct deposit. I initially used the debit card for a couple weeks but then switched to direct deposit because the ATM fees were adding up. You can change your payment method online pretty easily through your NY.gov account once your claim is established. Also, don't stress too much about missing anything - the system is pretty straightforward once you get your first payment processed.

Just want to add that when you do get the KeyBank debit card, make sure to read the fine print that comes with it. There are some daily withdrawal limits (I think it's $500 per day) and you can only make a certain number of free transactions per month at non-KeyBank locations. I learned this the hard way when I was trying to withdraw larger amounts to pay rent. Also, if you lose the card, there's a replacement fee, so keep it safe! The direct deposit option really is more convenient if you have a bank account set up already.