Found work finally but earning less - NY unemployment journey and thank you to this group

Congratulations on finding work! Even though it's less than what you were making before, it's definitely a step in the right direction. Many people don't realize that the majority of unemployment claims in New York are from people who lost jobs through no fault of their own - layoffs, business closures, or reduction in hours. Did you have any difficulty with the NY unemployment system when you reported your new employment? Sometimes that final transition can be confusing with the reporting requirements.

congrats on the new job! im still stuck in unemployment hell lol. been trying to reach someone at ny unemployment for TWO WEEKS about my claim being held up. cant get thru AT ALL. phones just hang up on me after the automated messages 😡

Glad u found something! Im starting a new job Monday too but taking a 40% pay cut compared to what I made b4 covid. HATE IT but bills gotta get paid somehow. This group helped me figure out how to do the partial unemployment thing when I was only getting like 10 hrs a week at my old job.

Congratulations on finding employment! For anyone still navigating the NY unemployment system, remember that when you start working, you must report ANY income earned during a week when you certify - even if you haven't been paid yet. Report based on when you performed the work, not when you get paid. This is a common misunderstanding that can lead to overpayment issues later. Also, if you're earning less than your previous job, you might qualify for partial benefits if your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit rate. The current formula for 2025 reduces your benefit by 25% of any part-time earnings.

Has anyone had their benefits suddenly stop after finding part-time work?? I started a part-time job three weeks ago, reported my earnings properly each week (I think???), but now my NY unemployment payments completely stopped even though I should still qualify for partial benefits based on my earnings. I've been trying to reach someone for days but the phone system just disconnects me. I'm FREAKING OUT because rent is due next week and I counted on getting at least some partial benefits!!

Just wanted to share some positive information: According to the latest NYSDOL data released for 2025, the average time people spend on unemployment in New York has decreased by 23% compared to last year. The job market is definitely improving, though many positions are paying less than pre-pandemic levels. If you're taking a job that pays less than your previous position, remember you can still qualify for the NY Career Training program that offers free skills development courses to help you move into higher-paying fields. The application deadline for the Spring 2025 cohort is March 15th.

I think I saw u posting before about ur claim issues! Glad u found something. This whole unemployment system is a joke tbh. My cousin waited 8 WEEKS to get approved only to find out they calculated her benefit wrong and she had to start the whole process over again!! Can you believe that garbage?? The people who designed this system should be forced to use it themselves lol.

just checked out that claimyr thing and it WORKED!!!! got through to a real person after trying for weeks!!!! they fixed my claim and said my payments should come through in 3 business days. cant believe how easy it was after all this time banging my head against the wall!!

Regarding career transitions and lower-paying jobs: If you've taken a position that pays substantially less than your previous employment, you may qualify for the NY Wage Subsidy Program that was implemented in January 2025. This temporary program provides supplemental income for up to 26 weeks to workers who were forced to take significant pay cuts (30%+) due to economic conditions. The application can be submitted through your NY.gov account under the "Additional Programs" section. This is separate from unemployment benefits and designed specifically for workers who have found employment but at much lower wages than their previous positions.

I'm so happy for you finding a job! I've been lurking in this group for months and it really has been helpful. Sometimes just knowing others are going through the same struggle makes it a little easier to bear. I was on unemployment for 9 months and just started a new position last month. Took a pay cut too but trying to stay positive. This group was literally my lifeline when my benefits were delayed for months with no explanation. Stay strong everyone still fighting the system!