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To summarize for the original poster: 1. Yes, you can receive partial unemployment while working part-time 2. Report all hours and earnings accurately when you certify weekly 3. Be aware of the thresholds: working 30+ hours or earning $595+ in a week makes you ineligible for that week 4. Continue doing and documenting your four work search activities each week 5. Keep detailed records of all your work hours, pay stubs, and certifications 6. Consider having taxes withheld from your benefits While the system isn't perfect, partial unemployment can definitely help bridge the gap while you're working reduced hours and searching for full-time employment.
Just went through this exact process last month! A couple things that helped me get started: When you apply online, there's a specific section where you indicate you're working part-time - don't skip over it or the system might flag your claim as suspicious. Also, make sure you have your last full-time employer's info ready (dates, wages, reason you left) since that's what your benefit amount will be based on, not your current part-time job. One thing I wish someone had told me - your first payment might take 3-4 weeks to come through even if everything goes smoothly, so don't panic if it seems slow. The system has to verify your previous employment first. Good luck with your application!
For anyone dealing with this issue, I recommend taking screenshots of your certification confirmation page every time you certify. That way if there's ever a dispute about what days you claimed, you have proof. The system is supposed to show this in your payment history, but sometimes that information is incomplete or missing entirely.
This is so helpful to read! I just started collecting unemployment last month and had no idea this was even a possibility. I've been certifying every Sunday without really paying attention to the payment amounts - just assumed they were correct. Going to start screenshotting my certifications and checking my payment history more carefully from now on. Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats on getting it resolved!
I went through this exact situation last year when I moved from Syracuse to Pennsylvania. The key thing is that you need to call NYS Department of Labor BEFORE you move, not after. They'll update your file with a note about your move and confirm you can continue receiving benefits. I made the mistake of updating my address online first and then got a bunch of confusing letters asking me to prove I was still eligible. Also, keep in mind that if you're looking at Vermont, you might want to check if they have any reciprocal agreements with NY that could affect your benefits. The whole process took about 3 weeks to sort out, but I was able to keep my benefits the entire time.
@Katherine Harris This is really helpful! I m'in a similar boat - been on unemployment for about 6 weeks after getting laid off from my tech job in Brooklyn, and I m'considering moving back home to Ohio to save money. Your point about calling BEFORE moving is huge - I was just going to update my address online too. One question: when you called NYS Department of Labor, did they put any restrictions on how you could conduct your job search while out of state? Like did they require a certain percentage of your applications to be for NY-based positions, or were they okay with you focusing on remote work and local PA jobs? I m'trying to figure out if I d'need to keep applying for jobs back in NYC even after moving to Ohio.
@Katherine Harris Thanks for sharing your experience! This is super reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through it successfully. I m'definitely going to call before I make any moves. One thing I m'curious about - did you have to provide any documentation to prove your move was legitimate like (a lease agreement or something ,)or did they just take your word for it when you called? Also, when you mentioned reciprocal agreements between states, where would I find information about that? I want to make sure I understand all the potential complications before I commit to moving to Vermont.
I actually just went through this process about 3 months ago when I moved from NYC to my parents' place in New Jersey. The most important thing is definitely calling NYS Department of Labor BEFORE you move - I learned this the hard way when my first payment got held up because I updated my address online without talking to anyone first. When I finally got through to them (took about 2 hours of calling), they were actually pretty understanding about the situation. They told me as long as I could demonstrate I was actively looking for work and would be available to return to NY for suitable employment, I could continue receiving benefits. The tricky part is the job search requirements - you still need to do your 3 work search activities per week, and they expect at least some of those to be for positions you could realistically take if offered. I've been mixing remote jobs, NJ local positions, and some NY-based remote roles to cover my bases. My benefits amount stayed exactly the same, and I've had no issues with my weekly certifications. Just make sure you document everything and keep detailed records of your job search activities in case they ever audit your claim.
@KaiEsmeralda This is really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this! I'm in almost the exact same situation as the original poster - been collecting for about 8 weeks and my lease is up soon. Your point about calling before updating the address online is super important - I was about to make that same mistake. Quick question: when you were doing your job search activities, did NYS Department of Labor give you any specific guidance on what percentage should be NY-focused versus out-of-state/remote? I'm wondering if there's an unofficial rule about keeping some connection to the NY job market or if they were flexible as long as you were genuinely searching. Also, did you have to provide any proof of your move (like a lease or utility bill) when you called, or was it just a verbal update?
@KaiEsmeralda Thanks so much for sharing your experience! This gives me a lot more confidence about potentially making this move. I'm particularly interested in your point about demonstrating you'd be available to return to NY for suitable employment - did NYS Department of Labor ask you any specific questions about that when you called? Like did they want to know how quickly you could get back or if you had transportation arranged? I'm trying to think through all the logistics before I make the call. Also, when you mentioned it took 2 hours of calling to get through - was that just repeatedly calling the main number, or did you find any tricks to get connected faster? I've been dreading having to deal with their phone system but it sounds like the call is really necessary.
Huge congrats on landing the new job! 🎉 That's such amazing news after being unemployed since December - you must be so relieved and excited! Everyone here has given you spot-on advice already. Just to echo what others have said: yes, definitely claim that last week since you weren't working yet, then simply stop certifying once you start your new position. No phone calls or formal closures needed - the system handles it automatically. I love all the practical tips people shared, especially the phone reminder idea to avoid accidentally certifying out of habit! That's so easy to do after months of routine weekly certifications. One small thing to add - when you do that final certification, just make sure you're completely honest about your job status and availability since you'll be starting work soon. Transparency is always the best approach with these systems. You're being really smart by asking about this beforehand instead of figuring it out later. Shows great responsibility! Enjoy this transition and best of luck with your fresh start! 🙌
Thanks so much for the congrats and encouragement! 😊 You're absolutely right about being transparent on that final certification - I'll make sure to answer all the questions honestly about my job status. After reading everyone's advice here, I feel so much more confident about handling this transition properly. It's such a relief to know there are people who've been through the exact same situation and willing to share their experience. Really appreciate this supportive community! 🙏
Congratulations on the new job! 🎉 That's such wonderful news after being out of work since December - you must be so excited to get back to it! You're absolutely doing the right thing by asking about this beforehand. From my experience and what I've seen others go through, here's the deal: ✅ Yes, definitely claim for your final week since you weren't working those days yet ✅ Once you start your new job, just stop certifying - no need to call anyone or formally close anything ✅ The system will automatically mark your claim inactive after you miss certifications ✅ Keep your login info and download/print your payment history for tax records Pro tip: Set a phone reminder for your usual certification day that says something like "DON'T CERTIFY - WORKING NOW!" Trust me, it's so easy to accidentally certify out of habit after doing it for months! Also make sure you're 100% clear on your exact start date so you don't accidentally certify for any week that includes work days. You're handling this perfectly by being proactive about it. Best of luck with the new position - you've got this! 💪
Connor Rupert
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - pending for 3 weeks with no explanation! Reading through these responses has been incredibly helpful. I'm definitely going to try the early morning login suggestion and calling that technical support number tomorrow. The idea about contacting state representatives is something I never considered but makes total sense. For what it's worth, I also found that documenting every phone call attempt (time, how long I waited, what happened) has been useful for my own sanity if nothing else. The whole system really needs to be more transparent about what these "pending issues" actually are. Fingers crossed we all get resolution soon - this financial stress is no joke!
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Sebastian Scott
•@Connor Rupert I m'in the same boat as you and the original poster - this thread has been a goldmine of actually useful advice! I ve'been documenting everything too and it does help with the stress a bit to feel like you re'doing something productive. I m'planning to try that technical support number first thing tomorrow and also look up my local representatives. The fact that so many people are dealing with this exact same issue really shows how broken the communication aspect of this system is. At least we know we re'not alone in this frustrating process. Hoping we all get some answers soon - the bills don t'stop coming while we wait for the state to figure things out!
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Noah Ali
I'm in a similar situation - pending for about 2 weeks now and it's really stressful not knowing what's going on. This thread has been incredibly helpful though! I had no idea there was a separate technical support line or that contacting state representatives was even an option. I've been calling the main customer service number during lunch breaks and never getting through. Going to try calling that tech support number (1-888-209-8124) first thing tomorrow morning and also look up my local assembly member. The timeline documentation idea is really smart too - I'm going to start keeping detailed records of everything. Thanks to everyone for sharing actual actionable advice instead of just "keep trying to call." It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess, even though I wouldn't wish this stress on anyone!
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Ingrid Larsson
•@Noah Ali I m'so glad this thread is helping you too! I ve'been lurking here for a while but finally decided to jump in because I m'dealing with the same nightmare. Been pending for almost 3 weeks now and the stress is killing me. I tried calling that technical support number this morning that @Omar Farouk mentioned and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold! The agent couldn t resolve'my issue but at least confirmed that my claim is being reviewed for employment verification "which is" more information than I ve gotten'in weeks. She said to expect 2-3 more weeks for resolution but at least now I know what s happening.'Definitely recommend trying that tech line early in the morning - seems to have better luck than the main customer service number. Also going to contact my assembly member today like @Sofia Perez suggested. Hang in there everyone, we ll get through'this!
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