NY unemployment shows $0.00 benefit amount after termination - can't reach anyone by phone

The $0.00 monetary determination usually means one of a few things:\n\n1. They couldn't verify your employment/wages with your employer\n2. Your base period wages weren't enough to qualify\n3. There might be an issue with your termination reason\n\nDid you receive any other notices along with the monetary determination? You should've gotten something that explains why the benefit amount is $0. Also, check your online account for any pending documents or questionnaires they need you to complete.

Thanks for explaining! There wasn't anything else explaining why it's $0. I checked my online account too and don't see any pending questionnaires. My last job was my only one during the base period, but I definitely made enough (around $3,800/month before taxes). Could my employer be disputing it maybe? That's why I'm so desperate to talk to someone!

u probly got $0 cuz they think u were fired for misconduct. happened to me 2. u NEED to talk to someone to get it fixed

Oh no, that makes sense. I was let go because they said I wasn't meeting targets, but I never received any formal warnings. Would that count as misconduct?

I used Claimyr to get through to NY unemployment when I had a similar $0 determination. Was trying for weeks with no luck, then used their service and got through in about 20 minutes. They basically call for you and connect you when they get an agent. Saved me weeks of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE\n\nOnce I got through, it turned out my employer hadn't responded to DOL's request for wage information. The agent was able to verify my employment on the spot and fixed my benefit amount right away.

Thank you! I've never heard of this service but at this point I'll try anything. The video makes it seem pretty straightforward. Did they ask for any info besides what DOL already has?

Nope, they just connected me to NYSDOL. Once I was talking to the actual unemployment agent, I had to verify my identity with my claim info just like normal. Saved me from having to hit redial for hours.

NOBODY CAN GET THROUGH TO NYSDOL!!! This is DELIBERATE to deny benefits!!! I called 138 TIMES in one day and nothing but busy signals and hangups. This system is BROKEN BY DESIGN to make people give up!!!

Exactly - going through the same hell right now. 3 weeks of calling and not once have I gotten past the 'all lines are busy' message. Meanwhile my landlord is threatening eviction and I'm eating ramen for every meal.

While frustrating, there are specific times when call volume is lower. Try calling Tuesday-Thursday between 8:05-8:15am (right after they open) or between 4:45-4:55pm (right before they close). Also, make sure you're calling the correct number for your specific issue.

I went through this same exact thing last month! My determination said $0 even though I worked for almost a year making decent money. For me the problem was that my employer reported my wages to the wrong state somehow. I finally reached someone after two weeks of calling and they fixed it in like 10 minutes. They recalculated my benefits at $463 per week and sent backdated payments for everything I missed.\n\nKeep certifying every week even with the $0 showing!!! When they fix it, you'll get all the back payments.

That's good to know, I'll definitely keep certifying! How many times did you have to call before you got through? I'm on day 8 of trying with no luck.

Honestly I lost count lol. It was atleast 20-30 calls per day for 2 weeks. I finally got through on a Wednesday around 9:30am. Hang in there!!

This sounds like a wage verification issue. Since you only worked for 6 months, they need to confirm your wages are sufficient for the base period. If your employment was mostly in the most recent completed quarter plus the current quarter, you might qualify under the alternate base period instead of the standard base period.\n\nCheck your determination letter carefully - does it say anything about \

Hmm, it doesn't mention anything about alternate base period on the letter. I didn't see any reconsideration form included either. Is that something I can find and submit online? Or is that another thing I need to call about?

You should be able to find the Reconsideration form in your online account under \

have u tried messaging them thru ur online account? sometimes they respond that way faster than phone

I sent a message through my account 5 days ago and still no response. I guess everyone is trying every method to reach them right now.

Update us when you manage to get through! For others reading this thread later, here's what you should have ready when you finally reach someone for a $0 monetary determination issue:\n\n1. All your pay stubs or W-2 from the base period (usually 5 quarters before you filed)\n2. Your employer's correct legal name and address\n3. Employment start and end dates\n4. Reason for separation (be prepared to explain this in detail)\n5. Any separation paperwork\n\nThe agent will probably need to contact your employer, so having accurate contact information for them is helpful too.

Thanks for this list! I'll gather everything today so I'm prepared when I do get through. I appreciate everyone's help so much - this has been so stressful.

Just wanted to update - I used Claimyr this morning and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes. They explained that my employer didn't respond to the wage verification, and since I was let go for

Great news! This is exactly why speaking to an agent is so important - they can resolve these issues quickly once you get through. Be very careful with that misconduct questionnaire and answer everything truthfully but completely. Make sure to note that you received no written warnings if that's the case.

Congrats!! So happy you got it resolved! That must be such a relief!