NY unemployment confusion - reported new job but now have break in claim - will I get paid this week?

You made a common mistake, but don't panic! When they ask if you 'went back to work,' they mean if you actually started working and earning money, not just accepting a job offer. Since you haven't started the job yet, you should have selected 'no' to that question. You'll need to call DOL to get this fixed since the system now thinks you're employed and earning income.

same thing happened 2 me last year. took 3 weeks to fix & didnt get paid til they fixed it. keep certifying every week tho

Let me clarify exactly what's happening here. When you selected "went back to work," the system automatically created a break in your claim because it assumes you're now employed and no longer eligible for benefits. However, since you haven't actually started working yet, you're still eligible for this week's benefits. You need to contact NYSDOL immediately to explain the situation. They can remove the break in claim and process your payment. Make sure to explain clearly that you only accepted a job offer but haven't started working or earning wages yet. Continue certifying weekly while this is being resolved. This is actually a very common misunderstanding with the certification questions.

I had EXACTLY this issue in February! The DOL phone system is IMPOSSIBLE - I tried for days and couldn't get through. I finally used Claimyr.com to reach an agent in about 20 minutes. Totally worth it because they got my payment released within 48 hours after fixing the break in claim status. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - honestly saved me so much frustration after wasting hours trying to call myself.

lol the DOL website is such garbage. they make everything confusing on purpose if u ask me

For future reference (and for anyone else reading this), here's how to correctly handle reporting a new job on NY unemployment: 1. DON'T mark "went back to work" until you've actually worked your first day 2. When you do start working, report any income earned during the week you're certifying for 3. AFTER you've worked your first week, then select "went back to work" during your next certification 4. Be prepared to report exact amounts earned each week until your claim naturally closes The system definitely could be clearer about this distinction. I've helped several family members navigate this exact scenario.

Did you check your email and message inbox on the DOL portal? Sometimes they send instructions about what to do next. My husband had something similar happen and they sent him a form to fill out about his new employment situation.

try calling right when they open at 8am that worked for me once

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DOL! Used that Claimyr service and it actually worked - got connected in about a half hour. The agent was super nice and explained that I should only select "went back to work" after I've actually started working and received pay. She removed the break in claim and said my payment should process in 2-3 business days. So relieved!!! Thanks everyone for your help!!