same boat here!! got laid off from my restaurant job and hoping unemployment covers at least my rent. this whole thing is so stressful

Just went through this process myself! At $65k annually, you're looking at roughly $1,250 per week before taxes. In NY, you'll likely hit the maximum weekly benefit of $504 since the formula caps out around that level for higher earners. The good news is that overtime definitely counts - they look at ALL wages reported during your base period. One tip: file your claim online at ny.gov as soon as possible since there's a one-week waiting period before payments begin. Also keep detailed records of your job search activities since NY requires you to document your work search efforts. The process can be overwhelming but the benefits do help bridge the gap while you're looking for your next opportunity!

once you get the card you'll need to activate it online or by phone. there's instructions that come with it. and heads up the PIN they give you is temporary so change it right away to something you'll remember

Just wanted to add that you can also track your payment status through the my.ny.gov portal under "Unemployment Services" - it shows exactly when your payment moves from pending to released. I found this helpful because I could see the progression rather than just waiting and wondering. Once it shows as released, the card typically arrives within that 5-7 business day window that Diego mentioned. Also double-check that you certified for your weekly benefits correctly as any issues there can delay the payment release.

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for about 8 months now and can confirm that these delays happen way more often than they should! Usually mine comes through on Tuesday morning like clockwork, but I've had probably 3-4 random delays during that time. The longest was about a week, which was absolutely terrifying when I had bills due, but it always eventually processes. One thing I learned is to screenshot your certification confirmation page - it helps give you peace of mind that you did everything correctly on your end. The system glitches are real and unfortunately pretty common. Based on what @Dylan Fisher shared about the Twitter update, sounds like this should resolve soon for everyone. The waiting is definitely the worst part though!

I'm new to this community but going through the exact same thing right now! Certified on Sunday and still waiting for my payment. This is actually my first time experiencing a delay since I started claiming benefits a few months ago, so I was getting pretty worried that I'd somehow messed something up during certification. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly helpful and reassuring - it's such a relief to know this is a known system-wide issue and not something wrong with my specific claim. Special thanks to @Dylan Fisher for sharing the Twitter updates about the processing delays being resolved. I'll definitely be checking my account first thing tomorrow morning! It's amazing how much stress these delays cause when you're depending on the payments, but this community is awesome for providing real experiences and support.

Wow, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who's been in a similar boat (part-time student worker unsure about unemployment eligibility), I'm amazed by how much practical knowledge has been shared here. I especially appreciate all the specific timing and phone navigation tips - the 7:58 AM Tuesday/Wednesday strategy and mentioning "Student Claimant" upfront seem like real game-changers. The fact that multiple people have had success with these approaches gives me confidence they're not just lucky coincidences. One thing I'd add for future readers: if you're documenting your job search activities (which seems crucial based on everyone's experiences), consider using the NYSDOL's own job search platform NY.gov/jobs. Using their official system creates a built-in record of your search efforts that they can easily verify if needed. Also, for anyone still on the fence about calling - this thread has shown that while the phone system is frustrating, the actual agents are generally knowledgeable and helpful once you get through to the right person. The key seems to be preparation and using these insider tips to navigate the system efficiently. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences here. This community has turned what seemed like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into a clear, actionable plan. That's the power of people helping people!

This entire thread has been an absolute goldmine of information! I'm in almost the exact same situation - part-time work while taking evening classes - and was dreading the whole process until reading through everyone's experiences. The collective wisdom here is incredible: the 7:58 AM Tuesday/Wednesday calling strategy, mentioning "Student Claimant" upfront, using the NY.gov mobile app callback feature, and having all documentation ready beforehand. I particularly appreciate the tip about using the specific language "ready, willing, and able to work full-time" - those kinds of insider details make all the difference. What really stands out to me is how many people initially felt overwhelmed (just like I do now) but successfully navigated the process using these strategies. It's reassuring to know that evening classes actually work in our favor for the "available for work" requirement. I'm planning to start with the online eligibility quiz, check out my local One-Stop Career Center for prep assistance, and then call using the timing and phone navigation tips shared here. Having this roadmap makes what seemed impossible feel totally doable. Thank you @Yuki Tanaka for starting this conversation and to everyone who shared their real experiences and practical tips. This community support is exactly what makes these bureaucratic processes manageable for real people!

same thing happening to me right now... filed 2 weeks ago and still showing under review. this is so stressful when you need the money

I went through something similar a few months ago. NYS DOL will contact your employer if they need clarification about your separation, but it's not guaranteed they will. In your case, since you mentioned they cut your hours drastically, that could actually work in your favor - "constructive dismissal" where they essentially forced you out by making the job unviable. Make sure you have any documentation about the hour cuts (pay stubs, schedules, emails) because that can really help your case if they do investigate. The "under review" status is normal and can last anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on their workload.