NY unemployment stopped after working one shift - how to restart?

Yep, happened to me too. The NY system is trash. If you work at all, even for one day, they assume you're fully employed again. Its so stupid. You definitely need to file a new claim ASAP and be ready to wait for weeks.

After dealing with the same issue last month, I found a service called claimyr.com that basically calls NY unemployment for you and connects you when they finally reach a human. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast - it was the only way I could talk to a live agent. Check out this video on how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

THIS IS LITERALLY HOW THEY TRAP PEOPLE IN POVERTY!! The system punishes people for trying to work part time. I lost all my benefits last year because I covered 2 shifts at my old job. Then I had to wait 5 weeks for my claim to get processed again. By then I had already missed a rent payment and got a late fee.

If you need a detailed guide on how to handle your situation, I've been through this multiple times with NY unemployment and can share what worked for me: First, yes, you DO need to file a new claim. It's ridiculous but that's how the system works. When you file, make sure to clearly indicate it was temporary/one-day work. You'll need to have your full employment history for the past 18 months ready. Second, after filing online, you MUST speak with a representative to expedite the process. Regular phone lines are nearly impossible, but using claimyr.com got me through when I was desperate. They'll stay on hold for you and call when an agent is on the line. Third, document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your certification, save confirmation emails, note the date/time you file. Fourth, while waiting, continue certifying weekly even if you don't see an active claim. This creates a backlog they'll have to pay once your claim is reactivated. Finally, if you're truly desperate for immediate assistance, contact your state representative's office. They often have unemployment liaisons who can push your case through faster. Don't give up - this system is designed to frustrate you into quitting.

The one-day work issue is a known bug in the system. When you certify and report earnings, the system THINKS you returned to full-time work. Happened to me back in February. You need to call and explain the situation.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation. After trying for 3 days straight to get through on the phone (averaging 4 hours on hold each time), I ended up filing a new claim online. I'm now in week 2 of waiting. The most frustrating part is they won't backpay you automatically - you have to specifically request it after your new claim is approved. This system is broken AF.

FYI - check if you still have weeks remaining on your benefit year. If your benefit year hasn't ended, you might not need a whole new claim, just a reactivation of your current one. That's a much faster process. Look at your payment history and see if it says your claim is closed or just inactive.

The whole NY unemployment system needs to be rebuilt from scratch tbh. It's punitive against people who are actively looking for work and trying to get back on their feet. I'm in the same boat - worked 2 days last month and my claim got cancelled. Still fighting to get it restarted.

You definitely want to SPEAK TO SOMEONE directly. Don't bother with the online stuff for this specific issue. The only time I ever got anywhere with NY unemployment was when I actually talked to a person. I spent weeks trying to fix my claim online with no success, then one 10-minute call fixed everything.

Pro tip that saved me: when filing your new claim, make sure to mark that you are STILL unemployed and seeking work. The system might auto-deny you if it thinks you've returned to regular employment. Also, in the section where it asks about work and earnings, be super clear that it was a one-time, one-day job.

Call your state assembly person!!! Seriously, this worked for me after 3 weeks of getting nowhere. Their office has special contacts at unemployment and can escalate your case. Google your district and call that office directly.

anybody else notice that the NY unemployment website always has "maintenance" exactly when u need to certify? 🤔 the whole system is broken. OP ur best bet is to physically go down to a workforce center if possible. sometimes face-to-face is the only way to get results.

just make sure when u file the new claim, you don't accidentally check any boxes that make it look like u quit or got fired from that one day job. That will trigger a whole investigation and delay everything by months. i did this and it was a nightmare.

I know this sounds weird but try calling right when they open (7:30am) or right before they close (6:45pm). I've had better luck getting through during those times vs mid-day when everyone's calling.

You're gonna need to call them, and it's gonna suck. The whole system is designed to be frustrating enough that people give up. I had to call 46 times before I got through, and that was at 7:31am on a Tuesday. Once I finally reached someone, they fixed it in like 2 minutes. So stupid.