I'm dealing with this exact anxiety right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago and just realized I might have put down the wrong separation date - I was laid off on a Wednesday but think I accidentally put Thursday because I was so frazzled filling everything out. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief though. It sounds like these honest mistakes are totally normal and the DOL has processes to handle them. I'm definitely going to take the advice about calling with all my correct information written down ahead of time. Has anyone had success using the online portal for corrections, or is calling really the best way to go? The phone wait times are intimidating but it sounds like it's worth it to talk to an actual person.

I went through this same panic about 8 months ago when I realized I had mixed up my gross and net weekly wages on my initial application. The anxiety was eating me alive! Here's what I learned from my experience: First, take a deep breath - the NYS DOL processes thousands of these corrections every month. I ended up calling their customer service line (took about 45 minutes on hold, but I got through around 10 AM on a Tuesday). The representative was incredibly patient and walked me through exactly how to submit a wage correction. She explained that wage discrepancies are flagged during their routine employer verification anyway, so being proactive actually speeds up the process rather than delays it. The correction took about 2-3 weeks to fully process, but my benefits weren't interrupted at all. My biggest piece of advice: gather all your pay stubs and employment documents before calling so you have the exact correct information ready. Also, don't let the "under review" status freak you out - that's completely normal and doesn't indicate there's a problem. You're going to be fine!

anyone get their missing money yet? its been 3 days for me and still nothing

This is such a relief to see it resolved! I was about to panic when I saw my payment was cut in half this week too. I'm glad I found this thread before spending all day trying to call. I'll keep an eye on my account over the next few days for the adjustment payment. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to know we're not alone in dealing with these system glitches!

I went through this same situation about a year ago and can confirm what others are saying - file immediately after your last day of work! Don't second-guess the timing. I filed on a Friday afternoon right after leaving my office for the last time, and it was the right call. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand exactly what your employer is calling your "last day" - sometimes there's confusion about whether it's your last day physically working or your last day on payroll if you have unused vacation time being paid out. For unemployment purposes, what matters is when your employment relationship actually ends. Also, keep your work ID badge and any company equipment until you're sure about return procedures - some companies consider you employed until all property is returned. The whole process was way less complicated than I expected once I got started. Just have your Social Security number, employment dates, and employer contact info ready, and you'll be fine. The waiting week is annoying but unavoidable, so don't let that discourage you from filing right away!

As someone who works in HR and has helped employees through layoffs, I want to emphasize a few key points that haven't been mentioned yet. First, make absolutely sure you get a copy of your separation notice (form IA 12.3) from your employer - this document states the reason for your separation and can prevent delays in processing your claim. Second, if your employer offers any kind of severance agreement, read it carefully before signing as some agreements have clauses about when you can file for unemployment. Third, remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so you can elect to have taxes withheld or plan to pay them at tax time. Finally, keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - every phone call, every document, every interaction with the DOL system. I've seen claims get complicated over the smallest details, so documentation is your best friend. You're already being proactive by asking these questions, which puts you ahead of many people who wait until the last minute. File immediately after your last day and don't look back!

I went through almost the exact same situation with a shoulder injury from repetitive motions at my assembly line job. NYS Department of Labor did approve my claim, but here's what really helped: I made sure my doctor's letter specifically mentioned that continuing the work would "aggravate" or "worsen" my condition - those seem to be key phrases they look for. Also document EVERYTHING with your employer - save those emails about requesting accommodation! The process took about 6 weeks for me, but I got approved retroactively. Hang in there, you have a legitimate case with the medical documentation and accommodation refusal.

I'm currently going through something similar - had to quit my retail job due to severe arthritis flare-ups that made standing for 8+ hours impossible. My manager kept scheduling me for long shifts despite my doctor's note recommending limited standing time. I just filed my unemployment claim last week and included all my medical records, the accommodation request emails, and my manager's response saying they "couldn't make special arrangements." The NYS Department of Labor website actually has a specific section about voluntary quit for medical reasons under their "good cause" guidelines - it really helped me understand what documentation I needed. Fingers crossed we both get approved! The financial stress while waiting is awful but it sounds like you have a strong case with the medical documentation and your employer's refusal to accommodate.

I've been in your exact shoes and I totally understand the anxiety you're feeling right now! About 3 months ago, I was offered a job stocking shelves at a grocery store for $14/hour when I had been working as a bookkeeper making $23/hour. The panic about potentially losing my benefits was real, but I decided to refuse because it was clearly unsuitable work - completely different field and a massive pay cut. I documented everything just like others have mentioned here (saved the job posting, offer details, wrote down my reasoning), and I never heard anything from NYS Department of Labor about it. Your situation with retail vs accounting at only 60% of your previous wage is exactly the type of scenario the suitable work guidelines are meant to protect against. The most important thing is to keep doing your weekly certifications, continue actively searching for accounting positions, and document this offer thoroughly just in case. Don't let fear force you into accepting something that would genuinely hurt your career - you worked hard to build your accounting skills and experience, and you deserve to find appropriate work in your field. Trust the system and trust yourself - you're making the right decision by refusing this unsuitable offer!

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I was in a very similar situation about 6 months ago when I got offered a position in fast food paying $12/hour after losing my job as a payroll specialist making $24/hour. The anxiety was overwhelming - I kept thinking "what if this is my only chance and I lose my benefits forever?" But after documenting everything (saved the job posting, offer email, and wrote detailed notes about why it wasn't suitable work) and refusing the offer, I never heard anything from NYS Department of Labor. The job was completely outside my field and paid exactly half of what I was making, which clearly didn't meet their suitable work criteria. What really helped me was realizing that taking that job would have actually set me back professionally - I spent years building expertise in payroll and HR systems, and flipping burgers wasn't going to use any of those skills. Your accounting background is valuable and specialized, just like everyone else's professional experience shared here. Don't let fear push you into something that would hurt your long-term career prospects. Keep focusing on accounting positions, document this retail offer thoroughly, and trust that the system is designed to help you find appropriate work, not just any work. You're absolutely making the right choice!