Wait are we talking about the same thing? I thought payment released meant it was already in your account? I'm so confused by all this unemployment terminology. My claim status says pending but I filed my weekly claim on Sunday like always.

Don't panic! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and the timing can definitely vary. If your payment was released yesterday and you have direct deposit set up, you should see it by tomorrow or Friday at the latest. Banks typically process unemployment deposits in the early morning hours, so check your account first thing when you wake up. Since you mentioned rent is due soon, you might also want to reach out to your landlord to let them know there could be a day or two delay - most are understanding about unemployment timing issues. Keep an eye on your bank account and if you don't see anything by Friday evening, then I'd start making calls to your bank.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i moved from buffalo to rochester last year and even that was a hassle to update everything. cant imagine going out of state. they make everything so difficult for no reason

To answer your follow-up question about job searching - you can look for remote work and jobs in Vermont, but you also need to show that you're still available for suitable work in your New York labor market. The safest approach is to include some NY-based remote positions or jobs you could realistically commute to if needed. Document everything in your work search log because NYS Department of Labor can request this information at any time.

Just file the claim and let them sort it out. Better to apply and potentially get denied than not apply at all. You can always appeal if they make the wrong decision initially.

This happened to my coworker a few months ago and she got her benefits without any issues. The important thing is documenting everything - keep copies of your resignation letter with the date you submitted it and your intended last day, plus any emails or texts about them telling you to leave early. NYS Department of Labor will want to see that timeline clearly. Also, don't worry about mentioning your future job start date - you're entitled to benefits for the gap period between jobs as long as you're available to work during that time.

I tried Claimyr last week for the same issue (stuck in ID verification with effective days showing 0). Finally got through to someone who could help after trying for weeks on my own. The agent told me there was a flag on my account because I had two employers in my base period, and they were waiting on information from my second employer. She was able to override it since they had already waited past the employer response deadline. Got paid all my back weeks 2 days later. Before using the service I was on the verge of taking out a payday loan just to make rent.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes! You guys were right - it was an ID verification issue combined with them waiting for info from my previous employer. The agent was able to see that they had sent a request to my employer who never responded, and since it was past the deadline, she manually approved my claim! She said I should see all my back payments within 3 business days. THANK YOU all for your help - I was seriously about to have a breakdown over this.

same boat here! my supervisor has been targeting me ever since I took FMLA leave last year. creating impossible deadlines, excluding me from meetings, the works. documenting everything but scared to quit without knowing if ill qualify for benefits

Before you make any decision, I'd strongly recommend consulting with an employment attorney who offers free consultations. Many workplace situations that feel like "just" toxic management actually cross the line into illegal harassment or discrimination. An attorney can help you understand if you have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim, which is when working conditions are so bad that quitting is essentially being forced out. This could potentially strengthen your unemployment case significantly. Also, if there are other legal violations happening (wage theft, safety issues, discrimination), you might have additional options beyond just unemployment benefits. Document everything with dates and times, and consider whether any coworkers witnessed the behavior. The consultation is usually worth it even if you decide not to pursue legal action.