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The NYS Department of Labor portal is confusing honestly. I got approved but it took me forever to figure out where to find the actual confirmation. They really need to make the interface clearer about what each status means!!!
I'm going through the same thing right now! Just filed last week and the waiting is nerve-wracking. From what I've read here and elsewhere, the key things to look for are: 1) A weekly benefit amount showing up (not $0), 2) No "pending issues" or red flags in your claim status, and 3) The monetary determination letter that should appear in your documents section. The first payment delay seems pretty normal from what everyone's saying - the state system just takes time to process everything. Keep doing those weekly certifications though, that's important even while waiting for approval!
This is really helpful, thank you! I'm in a similar boat - filed about a week ago and constantly refreshing my account to see if anything changes. The waiting is definitely stressful when you're depending on that income. Good to know that doing the weekly certifications is important even before getting official approval. Did you end up seeing your weekly benefit amount pretty quickly after filing, or did that take a while to show up too?
I just went through this exact same frustration last week! What finally worked for me was logging into my.ny.gov and going to the "Documents" section under unemployment services - there was a PDF called "Initial Claim Acknowledgment" that had my account number right on the first page. I had completely overlooked it before because it was just listed as a generic document name. Also, if you're still having trouble, try clearing your browser cache and cookies before logging back in - sometimes the system glitches and doesn't display all your account information properly. The account number is usually formatted as UI followed by some numbers (like UI1234567). Once you find it, definitely screenshot it or write it down somewhere safe because you'll need it every week for certifications. Don't worry about the filing deadline - as long as you file within a reasonable time and explain any delays, they're usually understanding about technical difficulties with their system.
This is so helpful! I've been struggling with the same issue for the past few days and was getting really stressed about it. I just checked my Documents section like you suggested and found that "Initial Claim Acknowledgment" PDF - there it was right at the top! I can't believe I missed it before. The UI number format you mentioned really helped me identify it too. I'm so relieved to finally have this sorted out. Thank you for the tip about clearing browser cache as well - I'll keep that in mind if I run into other technical issues with the system. It's amazing how something so important can be hidden in such an obscure place in their system!
I just wanted to share another method that worked for me when I couldn't find my account number anywhere - if you have the NYS DOL mobile app installed, sometimes the account information shows up more clearly there than on the desktop website. The app interface is a bit different and might display your account details in a more obvious spot. Also, if you received any automated phone calls from NYS DOL after filing your claim, they sometimes include your account number in the voicemail message. I know it's frustrating when such an important piece of information seems to disappear, but don't give up! Between all the suggestions everyone has shared here, you should be able to track it down. The system definitely needs better user experience design - having your account number prominently displayed on the main dashboard would save everyone so much hassle!
Great point about the mobile app! I didn't even know NYS DOL had a mobile app - I'll definitely download it and see if that shows my account info more clearly. And you're absolutely right about checking voicemails - I actually do remember getting an automated call but I didn't listen to the whole message because I assumed it was just a generic confirmation. I'll go back and check that recording. It's really encouraging to see how many different ways people have found their account numbers. You're so right about the user experience - it shouldn't be this hard to find such basic information! Thanks for adding another helpful option to try.
This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm in a similar boat - filed for unemployment in NY back in 2019 after a company closure, and now I'm facing another layoff situation. Like so many others here, I was really worried that using benefits before somehow disqualified me from filing again. What really struck me reading through all these responses is how common this situation actually is. It sounds like filing multiple unemployment claims throughout your career is totally normal, which makes sense when you think about how unpredictable the job market can be these days. I've been taking notes on all the great advice shared here - filing on Sunday to maximize benefit days, having 18 months of employment history ready, re-registering for job search services, and not waiting too long to submit the application. It's incredible how much practical knowledge this community has shared that you just can't find easily on the official websites. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. It's really reassuring to know that the system is designed to help people through multiple periods of unemployment, not just a one-time safety net. Definitely filing this weekend!
@Sophie Hernandez This thread really has been amazing! I m'so glad I found it because I was having the exact same worries. It s'incredible how many of us were stressed about the same misconception - that there was some kind of limit on unemployment claims. Reading everyone s'experiences has completely changed my perspective on this. I had no idea that filing multiple times over a career was not only allowed but actually pretty common given how the job market works these days. All the practical tips everyone shared have been invaluable - I ve'literally been taking screenshots of the best advice to reference when I file. It s'such a relief to know that the unemployment system is actually designed to be a recurring safety net rather than a one-time benefit. This community is incredible for sharing real-world knowledge that you just can t'get from official sources!
I'm so glad you asked this question! I was in the exact same situation last year - filed for unemployment in NY back in 2020 during the pandemic, then got laid off again in 2023 from a completely different job. I was terrified that I had somehow "used up" my eligibility, but it turns out that's not how it works at all! You can absolutely file multiple times as long as you meet the work requirements for each new claim period. Since you worked full-time at the warehouse for over a year, you should definitely qualify. The system looks at your earnings during what they call the "base period" to determine if you've worked enough since your last claim. One thing I learned the hard way - don't wait too long to file! I delayed for almost three weeks thinking I needed everything perfectly organized first, but you can't backdate your claim earlier than when you actually file. The application will walk you through everything you need, and you can always provide additional documentation later if they ask for it. The whole process was actually easier the second time around since I already had my NY.gov account set up and knew what to expect. You've got this - there's definitely no lifetime limit on unemployment claims!
@Sofia Gomez Thank you for sharing your experience! It s'so reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same timeline - pandemic claim in 2020, then needing to file again in 2023. I was definitely falling into that same trap of thinking I needed everything perfectly organized before filing, but your point about not being able to backdate claims is really important. I don t'want to lose out on potential benefits by overthinking the preparation. It s'also encouraging to hear that the second time was actually easier since the account was already set up. I m'planning to file this Sunday following all the great advice in this thread. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your story - it s'exactly what I needed to hear to feel confident about moving forward!
Marcus, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation - workplace stress can be absolutely devastating to mental health. I went through something similar about 6 months ago and want to share what I learned from the process. First, the good news: yes, you can potentially qualify for NYS unemployment if you quit due to mental health issues, but the documentation requirements are pretty strict. The key thing NYS Department of Labor looks for is whether you had "good cause" - meaning a reasonable person in your situation would have felt they had no choice but to quit. Here's what really helped my case: I started keeping a detailed daily journal of workplace incidents that triggered my anxiety (specific dates, what happened, who was involved). I also asked my therapist to write a detailed letter explaining how my work environment was specifically impacting my mental health recovery and why continuing in that role would be detrimental. The most important thing - and I can't stress this enough - is to try requesting accommodations through HR first, even if you think they'll say no. Document everything in writing (emails are best). When they denied my requests for a modified workload and schedule flexibility, it actually strengthened my unemployment case because it showed I'd exhausted all reasonable alternatives before quitting. The process took about 6 weeks for me, but I did get approved. The financial stress during that waiting period was brutal, so definitely have a backup plan if possible. Feel free to ask if you want more details about any part of the process!
Vincent, thank you so much for sharing your experience - it's really encouraging to hear from someone who actually got approved! The detail about keeping a daily journal is something I hadn't thought of but makes total sense. I'm curious about the accommodation requests you mentioned - what specific accommodations did you ask for, and how did you phrase those requests to HR? I'm worried that if I ask for things like reduced workload or schedule changes, my supervisor will just see it as me not being able to handle my job and make things even worse before I can quit. Also, when your therapist wrote that letter, did they need to include specific medical terminology or diagnoses, or was it more about describing the impact on your daily functioning? I want to make sure I give my therapist the right guidance on what would be most helpful for the unemployment application.
I'm dealing with a similar toxic work environment and Vincent's advice about documentation is spot on. I wanted to add something that helped me - when requesting accommodations, frame them as medical needs rather than just wanting easier work. For example, instead of saying "I need less work because I'm stressed," say "My healthcare provider has recommended I request a modified workload as a reasonable accommodation for my diagnosed anxiety disorder." Use the formal language of the Americans with Disabilities Act - it forces HR to take it more seriously and creates a stronger paper trail for your unemployment case. Also, send these requests via email and always follow up in writing if they respond verbally. The key is showing you tried to work within the system before concluding that resignation was your only option.
Marcus, I'm so sorry you're going through this - the combination of mental health struggles and workplace toxicity is absolutely exhausting. I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year. One thing that really strengthened my case was getting my therapist to write specifically about how my work environment was interfering with my treatment progress. Instead of just saying the job was stressful, they documented how the workplace conditions were preventing me from implementing coping strategies we'd worked on and were causing setbacks in my recovery. NYS Department of Labor seemed to find that medical perspective really compelling. Also, if you do decide to request accommodations first (which I'd recommend), consider asking for things like: breaks to manage anxiety symptoms, ability to work from home on particularly difficult days, or modified communication methods with your supervisor. Frame these as medical accommodations, not just preferences. One more thing - start saving money now if you can, even small amounts. The waiting period for a decision can be nerve-wracking when you're already financially stressed. Some local churches and community organizations also have emergency assistance programs that might help bridge the gap if needed. Your mental health is absolutely worth prioritizing. Having been through this process, I can tell you it is possible to get approved, but having a solid paper trail makes all the difference. You've got this - take care of yourself first.
Keisha Taylor
I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! The key thing is to be completely transparent about your work start date on your final weekly certification. You'll file one last weekly claim where you report that you're starting work (include the exact date), and then you simply stop filing after that. NYS DOL will automatically close your claim after a period of inactivity. Don't worry about "canceling" anything - there's no formal cancellation process. Just make sure you don't continue to certify for weeks when you're working full-time, as that would create an overpayment issue. Good luck with the new job!
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Javier Torres
•This is really helpful, thank you! I was definitely overthinking it. So just to make sure I understand - I file my weekly claim for this week (reporting my Monday start date), then just don't file anymore after that? And NYS DOL will eventually send me something confirming the claim is closed?
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Mateo Rodriguez
•Exactly right! That's all there is to it. Yes, NYS DOL will eventually send you a notice (usually comes in the mail after 2-3 weeks of not filing) that officially confirms your claim is closed. Keep that notice with your important documents just in case you ever need it for reference. The whole process is much simpler than most people think - you're doing everything correctly by reporting your start date on that final claim.
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Morgan Washington
Congratulations on landing the new job! I just want to emphasize what others have said about being extra careful with that final weekly claim. When you report your start date, make sure it's the exact date - not approximate. I've seen people run into issues because they weren't precise with dates. Also, if your new job starts mid-week, you'll need to report any days you worked during that benefit week along with your earnings. NYS Department of Labor is very thorough about cross-checking employment records, so accuracy is key. Once you stop filing, you should receive a determination letter in a few weeks confirming your claim closure. Keep all your documentation from your UI claim period just in case!
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Sunny Wang
•This is such great advice about being precise with dates! I'm starting Monday 5/26 so I'll make sure to report exactly that date. Quick question - since I'm starting on a Monday (first day of the benefit week), do I still need to report any earnings for that week or just the start date? I assume I wouldn't have any earnings to report since I literally just started that day.
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