NY unemployment showing $0.00 after filing due to COVID vaccine side effects - no updates

The $0.00 payment history usually means one of three things:\n\n1. Your claim is still pending a determination (most likely)\n2. Your claim was approved but there's an issue preventing payment\n3. Your claim was denied but you can still certify\n\nSince you left your job rather than being laid off, they're probably investigating whether you had good cause to leave. Medical reasons can qualify as good cause, but you'll need to provide documentation of how the vaccine affected you and why it led to leaving your job.\n\nDid you receive any messages in your online inbox about submitting additional documentation? Sometimes they'll send requests there that people miss.

Thanks for explaining! I don't see any messages in my inbox asking for documentation. Should I just upload my medical records anyway? I have proof from my doctor visits after the vaccine reaction.

same thing happened to my cousin last year. the $0 means theyre still looking at ur case. he waited like 3 months before anything changed!!! ny unemployment is the WORST

I went through something similar in January! The $0.00 showing up is actually progress believe it or not - it means your claim is in the system but they haven't made a determination yet. The problem is that voluntary quits (even for medical reasons) take FOREVER to process because they have to investigate.\n\nWhat eventually worked for me was getting through to a claims specialist who could actually see what was happening behind the scenes. Regular agents couldn't help.\n\nAfter wasting weeks trying to call that 209 number, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE\n\nIt was the only way I finally got answers about my claim status and found out what documentation I needed to submit to move things along. Might be worth trying if you're stuck in limbo like I was.

did that claimyr thing actually work? seems sketchy tbh

It did work for me! I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after not being able to get through for weeks. The agent I talked to was able to see notes on my claim that weren't visible to me online and told me exactly what I needed to submit.

The reason you're seeing $0.00 is because your claim is under review. Specifically, when you leave employment voluntarily (rather than being laid off), your case requires a special determination regarding whether your reason qualifies as

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I do have medical documentation but didn't know I needed to upload it. My employer knew about my condition but I'm not sure if they reported that to unemployment. I'll definitely try calling at 7:30am.

i had the exact same issue!!! the $0.00 thing drove me CRAZY for weeks. turns out my employer contested my claim saying i quit voluntarily which was HALF TRUE but they didn't mention the horrible working conditions that made me leave!! so unfair!!! had to appeal and everything. took 4 months to get paid!!!

This is actually a really important point. If your employer contests the claim or provides information that contradicts yours, it can significantly delay processing. In cases like vaccine reactions, there's a gray area because employers might claim you could have requested accommodation rather than quitting.\n\nOP - I'd recommend checking if there's a way to contact your former employer to understand what information they provided to unemployment. Sometimes clearing up miscommunications can help move things along faster.

I just checked again and I noticed something in my payment history I didn't see before. There's a code

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I've worked with many clients in your situation. Here's what you need to understand:\n\n1. Your claim is in \

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'll upload all my medical documentation today. I didn't realize I needed to be proactive about this - I thought they'd ask if they needed anything. The NY unemployment system is so confusing.

i was so sick from my booster too!!! like 104 fever for days! but u probably should of got documentation from ur work b4 u left. thats what happened 2 my sis - she had to get a note signed by hr sayin they couldnt acomodate her. maybe u can get that still??

Quick update on what the $0.00 means specifically: The system is showing you as eligible to certify but not yet eligible for payment. This is standard procedure during a voluntary quit investigation.\n\nOne thing nobody mentioned - check if you received a Questionnaire about your separation in your online messages. Sometimes these get overlooked and if you don't respond within 7 days, it can further delay your claim. If you find one, complete it immediately and call to let them know you've submitted it.\n\nAlso, when you're trying to reach someone, be specific when the automated system asks why you're calling. Say \

Wow, I didn't know to check for a questionnaire! I just looked and there IS one from 3 weeks ago that I totally missed. It's asking all about why I left my job. I'm filling it out right now. Thank you so much for mentioning this!

the whole system is broken!!! they make it impossible to get thru on purpose so people just give up. my friend works at DOL and says they're still using computers from like 1985 lol

Hey, just checking back - any updates after filling out that questionnaire? Found out anything new?

Yes! I finally got through to someone on the phone yesterday! They confirmed my claim is under review because of the voluntary quit, but said now that I've submitted the questionnaire and uploaded my medical documentation, it should be processed within 10 business days. The agent also put a note on my account to expedite the review. So relieved to finally have some clarity! Thank you everyone for your help.

That's great news! Be sure to continue certifying weekly while you wait for the determination. If approved, you'll receive backpay for all properly certified weeks. If you have any issues with the backpay not showing up after approval, that's a separate issue you may need to address.