@Logan Stewart One thing I wish someone had told me when I first filed - make sure you set up direct deposit right away if possible. Getting paper checks can add delays, especially around holidays. Also, don't panic if your first payment takes a bit longer than expected - there's often some processing time for new claims. Since you mentioned having a mortgage and kids, you might also want to check if you qualify for any other assistance programs while on unemployment. Some utilities companies have payment assistance programs, and there might be local food banks or other resources that can help stretch your benefits further during those 6 months. The key is really to treat job searching like a full-time job from day one - the 26 weeks will be here before you know it.

I'm in a similar boat - just got let go from my job and trying to navigate this whole unemployment system for the first time. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I called the NYS Department of Labor yesterday and the wait time was over 2 hours, but I did eventually get through to speak with someone. They confirmed the 26 weeks (6 months) and helped me understand the weekly certification process. One thing they emphasized was to keep all your job search documentation organized from the start - apparently they do random audits and you need to be able to prove you're actively looking. Also, they mentioned that if you have any part-time or temporary work while collecting benefits, you need to report it immediately or you could face penalties. The whole process is definitely overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job, but at least knowing it's a solid 6 months gives some peace of mind for planning.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's one of those situations where you're stuck between impossible choices. I went through something similar when my mom (who was my regular childcare) had a medical emergency and couldn't watch my kids anymore. What really saved me was being completely transparent with my supervisor about the situation and asking for help brainstorming solutions. Some things that might help: check if your company has any partnership with backup childcare services (some do through their benefits), look into local YMCA or community center drop-in programs, and consider reaching out to other parents at local playgrounds or schools who might know reliable sitters. Also, document EVERYTHING you're doing to find care - save screenshots of your care.com searches, keep records of calls you make, even save rejection emails from potential sitters. If you do get fired and have to file for unemployment, having that paper trail showing you were actively working to solve the problem rather than just ignoring it will be crucial for your claim. The fact that your regular babysitter moved away is completely out of your control, which should work in your favor. Stay strong - this situation won't last forever even though it feels overwhelming right now.

I'm really feeling for you right now - this is such a stressful situation and it's clear you're trying to do the right thing as both an employee and a parent. Have you considered reaching out to your local Department of Social Services to see if they have any emergency childcare assistance programs? Sometimes they have vouchers or can connect you with licensed providers who offer emergency care. Also, check with your local library - many have bulletin boards with childcare providers, and librarians are often really connected to community resources. Another option might be contacting local colleges or universities - sometimes education or child development students are looking for part-time childcare work and might be available on shorter notice. If you do end up having to file for unemployment, make sure you emphasize in your application that this was an unexpected emergency situation (your regular babysitter moving away) and not a pattern of unreliability. The key distinction NYS Department of Labor looks for is whether it's misconduct or circumstances beyond your control. Keep fighting to find a solution, but know that if the worst happens, you likely have a strong case for benefits given the circumstances.

Just wanted to add another data point - I changed my direct deposit info on a Wednesday last month and certified on Sunday. Got my payment on Tuesday with no issues at all. The timing seems to be the crucial factor here. Since you updated yours on Thursday before your Sunday certification, you're probably going to be fine. I know it's scary when you need the money for rent, but based on most of the experiences shared here, as long as you make the change before certifying you should be okay. The horror stories seem to mostly involve people who changed their info after certification or had other complications. Try not to stress too much and definitely update us Tuesday! Rooting for you 🙏

I actually had this happen to me in November! Changed my direct deposit on a Thursday night, certified on Sunday morning, and was completely panicking about whether it would work. Good news - I got my payment on Tuesday right on schedule in the new account! I think the system processes the changes pretty quickly as long as you do it before certification. The timing you described (Thursday change, Sunday certification) is almost identical to what I did. I know how stressful it is when you have rent due, but based on my experience you should be okay. Just make sure to check both accounts on Tuesday morning in case there's any delay. The NY unemployment system is unpredictable but it sounds like you timed it right. Fingers crossed for you! 🤞

def file, you earned it and they expect people to use UI when they get laid off. thats literally what its for

Miguel, you're being way too considerate here! I understand caring about your former employer, but unemployment insurance is literally designed for situations exactly like yours. Think of it this way - your employer has been paying into this system specifically so that if they ever had to lay people off, those workers would have a safety net. It's not charity, it's an earned benefit. The company knew this cost existed when they made the decision to lay you off. File immediately and don't look back - you need to take care of yourself first.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what happened when I was in a very similar situation last year. I owed about $3,100 in back taxes and was terrified about applying for unemployment after being laid off. Everyone here is giving great advice - you absolutely can and should file your claim right away! The tax debt won't disqualify you from receiving benefits. In my case, they intercepted about 22% of my weekly payments to cover the back taxes, but I still received the majority of my benefits. The offset didn't start immediately either - I think it was about 3-4 weeks after my first payment. I received written notice explaining exactly how much they'd be taking and for how long. It was actually a relief because I was making progress on the tax debt without having to stress about finding a lump sum while unemployed. Don't let the tax situation delay your application - file as soon as possible!

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my retail job. I owed around $2,200 in back taxes and was really worried about filing for unemployment. Everyone here is absolutely right - you can definitely still get approved for benefits even with tax debt! In my case, they started offsetting about 18% of my weekly benefit amount after about 5 weeks. I got a clear notice in the mail explaining exactly what was happening and how long it would take to pay off my debt through the offsets. The process was way less scary than I thought it would be. The most important thing is to file your claim immediately - every day you wait is money you're potentially losing out on. The unemployment system and tax collection system are separate, so don't let one delay the other. You've earned these benefits through your work, so go ahead and apply right away!