I just want to add that if you do end up filing, don't be discouraged if the online system seems overwhelming at first. I had to file after being at my job for only 8 weeks and was really stressed about navigating the NYS DOL website. What helped me was gathering all my employment documents beforehand - pay stubs from both your current and previous jobs, your Social Security card, and any documentation about the hour cuts. Also, if you're worried about the reduced hours situation, you might want to document when the cuts started and any communication from your employer about it. The system can be frustrating but your work history from your previous 2-year job should definitely help you qualify if you need to file.

I was in almost the exact same situation as you last year - started a new job and within 2 months my employer started cutting hours dramatically before eventually letting me go. The good news is that NYS unemployment eligibility is based on your work history over the entire "base period" (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters), not just your current job. Your 2 years at your previous job should definitely help you meet the monetary requirements. When I filed, I had to provide wage information from all my employers during that period. If your hours do get cut significantly, you may even qualify for partial unemployment while still employed. I'd recommend starting to document the hour reductions now - dates, original vs. reduced schedules, any written communication from your employer about the cuts. This documentation was really helpful when I filed my claim. The NYS DOL system can be frustrating to navigate, but don't let that discourage you from applying if you need to.

Just went through this same situation a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was setting up an account on nystateofhealth.ny.gov before I even lost my job - that way when my employer coverage ended, I could immediately start the application process. The income verification was pretty straightforward - they just needed my unemployment benefit letter from NYSDOL. I ended up qualifying for Essential Plan with a $20/month premium, which was way better than the $600+ COBRA would have cost me. Also, don't forget that dental and vision are separate - Essential Plan includes some dental but you might want to look into additional coverage if you have ongoing dental needs. The whole process took about 3 weeks from application to getting my insurance cards.

Also want to mention that if you're having trouble affording any copays or deductibles while on unemployment, many hospitals and clinics in NY have financial assistance programs. Most are required to offer charity care or payment plans based on your income level. I had to go to the ER while I was between jobs and qualified for a 90% discount on the bill just by showing my unemployment documentation. Don't avoid getting medical care if you need it - there are usually options to help with costs even if you're uninsured for a short period.

I'm totally new to this community and just filed my unemployment claim four days ago after getting laid off from my social media marketing role. Like literally everyone else here, I was completely freaking out when I got that RESEA notification - I spent hours googling horror stories and making myself sick with worry! But this thread has been an absolute lifesaver in calming my nerves and actually getting me prepared. The spreadsheet tracking system that everyone keeps recommending is such smart advice - I've already started organizing all my applications that way and it's making me feel so much more professional about the whole process. Reading about how the counselors are generally supportive and focused on helping rather than trying to trip you up has been such a relief. I was convinced they'd try to force me into some random retail job, but it sounds like they actually understand that different industries have different requirements and timelines. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their real experiences - this community support has turned what felt like a nightmare into something I can actually handle! Still nervous but in a much better headspace now.

I'm completely new to this community and just filed my unemployment claim yesterday after being unexpectedly laid off from my operations manager position. Reading through this entire thread has been absolutely incredible - I went from having severe anxiety about the RESEA appointment to actually feeling prepared and optimistic! Like so many others here, I was googling horror stories and working myself into a panic until I found this supportive discussion. The consistent advice about creating a spreadsheet to track job applications is genius - I've already started implementing that system and it's making me feel so much more organized and professional. What really stands out is how everyone emphasizes that the counselors genuinely want to help you succeed rather than just check compliance boxes. As someone transitioning from operations into potentially project management or business analysis roles, I'm actually looking forward to getting tailored career guidance about how to market my transferable skills effectively. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences - this peer support has been exactly what I needed during such an overwhelming time!

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible honestly. Between the weekly claims, job search requirements, and all the bureaucracy, it feels like they don't want you to actually get benefits. But you need the money so you jump through all their hoops.

I went through this same process last year when I got laid off. One thing that really helped me was setting up direct deposit right away - it makes getting your payments much faster than waiting for checks in the mail. Also, download the NY.gov mobile app if you have a smartphone. It makes filing your weekly claims way easier than trying to do it on the website every time. The app remembers your information and you can file your claim in like 2 minutes once you get the hang of it. Just make sure you file before the Sunday deadline each week or you'll miss that week's payment entirely.

I just completed my ID.me verification yesterday after reading through all these helpful comments! I was definitely nervous about it but everyone's advice really paid off. I used my laptop, did it in the early afternoon with good window light, and had both my driver's license and passport ready (though I only needed the license). The whole process took about 22 minutes - the facial recognition worked on the first try, thankfully! One small addition to all the great tips already shared: if you're using a laptop with a built-in webcam, try to position it at eye level rather than looking down at it. I propped mine up on some books which seemed to help with the angle. My account is still in the "processing" phase but I can see my claim number and basic status, so I'm hoping it'll be fully active in the next day or two. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really made a huge difference in my confidence level going into this!

Just wanted to add my recent experience to this thread since I completed the ID.me verification process earlier this week. Like everyone else confirmed, it's absolutely mandatory now - there's no alternative option. I was pretty anxious about the whole thing after hearing mixed reviews online, but honestly it went much smoother than I expected. I followed a lot of the advice from this thread: used my desktop computer, did it around noon with natural lighting from my window, cleared my browser cache first, and had my driver's license ready. The entire process took about 16 minutes and the facial recognition worked on my first attempt. One tip I'd add is to speak clearly during the video portion - they ask you to say some numbers out loud and I made sure to enunciate. My account took about 30 hours to fully sync with the NY unemployment system, which seems pretty typical based on what others have shared. Now I can access everything through the regular NY DOL portal using my ID.me login. For anyone still hesitant about this - I totally get the privacy concerns, but the verification really is legitimate and necessary. The system has definitely helped cut down on fraudulent claims. Just take your time with it and don't stress too much!