any update? did u get thru?

Wow, I'm so glad to see this thread because I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! My claim has been stuck for 3 weeks with a "break in claim" error even though I've certified every single week without fail. The phone system is absolutely brutal - I've called hundreds of times and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. It's incredibly frustrating when you're depending on these benefits to survive. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like this is a widespread glitch with their new system. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that several people mentioned - at this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to an actual human being who can fix this mess!

As someone brand new to understanding unemployment benefits, this entire discussion has been incredibly valuable! I had absolutely no idea that per diem workers could qualify for unemployment while still technically employed. Reading through everyone's experiences with NYS Department of Labor has really opened my eyes to how these situations are handled. The consistent themes I'm seeing are: document everything, be completely transparent about your situation, and emphasize your availability for full-time work. It's so reassuring to see that the system actually recognizes that getting zero hours through no fault of your own is essentially being unemployed, even if you're still on the books. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their real-world experiences - this kind of community support makes navigating these complex systems so much easier for newcomers like myself!

As someone completely new to the unemployment benefits system, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I had no idea that per diem workers could even qualify for unemployment while still technically employed - I always assumed you had to be completely laid off or fired to be eligible. Reading through everyone's real experiences with NYS Department of Labor has taught me so much more than any official government website ever could. The consistent advice about documenting every attempt to get shifts and being completely transparent about your situation really stands out. It's incredibly encouraging to see how many people have successfully gotten their claims approved in similar circumstances. What really resonates with me is the concept that getting zero hours through no fault of your own essentially equals being unemployed, even if you're still on the roster. This community's willingness to share detailed, real-world experiences makes navigating such a confusing system feel so much more manageable for newcomers like me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to explain their situations - it's given me confidence that there are actually solutions available for per diem workers facing these challenging circumstances!

Just started collecting benefits in early February so this thread is perfect timing! Was literally just wondering about this yesterday. The 3-4 month timeline everyone's mentioning gives me a good benchmark to work with. I've been pretty casual about tracking my job applications - just keeping them in my email drafts folder - but after reading Charlotte's detailed breakdown I realize I need to get way more organized. Planning to set up a proper spreadsheet this weekend with all the specifics (dates, companies, positions, application method, responses, etc.) before that first appointment comes around. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences here instead of just guessing. Makes the whole thing feel way less intimidating knowing it's typically just a straightforward check-in about your job search efforts! 📋

Just wanted to add my two cents as someone who's been through this process a few times now! Been collecting since September and have had two appointments so far - one at 3 months and another at 6 months. The spacing seems pretty consistent with what Charlotte mentioned. One thing I'd recommend beyond the great record-keeping advice already shared is to also track any temp work or gig jobs you might do while collecting - they want to see that info too since it affects your weekly claim. Also, don't be nervous about the appointment itself! The caseworkers I've dealt with have been pretty understanding and helpful. They're not trying to catch you in some gotcha moment, they just want to make sure you're actively looking and following the requirements. The whole thing really is more of a check-in than an interrogation. Hope this helps ease some anxiety for the newer folks! 😊

Just wanted to say I feel for you! Getting fired is never easy even when it's not your fault. The good news is unemployment benefits exist exactly for situations like this. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for filing - you paid into this system through your paychecks.

I went through something similar when I was let go for "performance issues" from my customer service job. The key thing is to file immediately - don't wait because there's a waiting period anyway. When you fill out the application, be completely honest about the circumstances. The fact that you received a warning and were actively trying to improve actually works in your favor because it shows this was performance-related, not misconduct. NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between being unable to do the job (eligible for benefits) versus unwillingness or deliberate misconduct (disqualifying). Keep records of everything - your warning notice, any emails about performance, etc. The adjudication process can take a few weeks but stay patient and respond promptly to any requests for information.

I just had my mandatory virtual review appointment two weeks ago and wanted to share my experience since I was in almost the exact same situation as you! I was super anxious about it, especially because my home internet is really unreliable. Here's what ended up working for me: I went to my local library and reserved a study room for the appointment. Most libraries let you book them for free, and the wifi was rock solid. I brought my phone charger and had everything ready about 30 minutes early since they warn about being up to 2 hours late (mine was actually only about 20 minutes late). The call itself was honestly much more relaxed than I expected. The rep went through my work search records pretty thoroughly - they asked for specific details about the last 4-5 jobs I'd applied to, including company names, positions, dates, and which websites I used. Having everything written down beforehand was a lifesaver. They also checked that my JobZone profile was updated (definitely do this the night before!) and asked about any barriers I was facing in my job search. The whole conversation felt more like they were trying to help me succeed rather than catch me doing something wrong. My biggest piece of advice: create a simple spreadsheet or document with all your job applications from the past month. Include company name, position, date applied, and method (Indeed, company website, etc.). This made the call go so much smoother and showed them I was taking my search seriously. You've got this! The fact that you're already thinking ahead and preparing shows you'll do just fine.

I had my virtual review appointment about 6 weeks ago and can definitely relate to your anxiety! I was also worried about connection issues since I live in a rural area with unreliable service. Here's what worked for me: I ended up going to a local Starbucks that I knew had strong wifi, found a quiet corner, and used wifi calling on my phone with headphones. The call ended up being about 75 minutes and they called roughly 50 minutes late (much better than the 2-hour warning they give). The conversation was actually pretty straightforward. They asked about: - Specific details of my recent job applications (company names, positions, dates) - How I've been using JobZone (definitely update your profile beforehand!) - Any challenges I'm facing in my job search - Whether I needed help with resume or interview skills The rep was genuinely helpful and even pointed me toward some job resources I hadn't known about. It felt more like a supportive check-in than an interrogation. My advice: Make a simple list of your recent job applications with all the details, find a reliable connection spot (library study rooms are great too!), and don't stress too much. As long as you're genuinely looking for work and can show your efforts, you'll be fine. They really do seem focused on helping people succeed rather than cutting benefits. Good luck!