Thanks for asking this question! I was wondering the same thing but was too embarrassed to ask. The unemployment system has so many acronyms and requirements that aren't explained clearly anywhere.

I totally understand the confusion with MWA requirements! When I first started filing, I made the mistake of not keeping proper documentation and it came back to bite me during an audit. Here's what I've learned works best: create a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, activity type (job application, networking, training, etc.), company/organization name, contact info, and any reference numbers. For the MWA name field, use the specific employer name for applications, the event name for job fairs, or the course title for training programs. Also, don't forget that informational interviews and career counseling sessions count too - I wish someone had told me that earlier since those are sometimes easier to arrange than finding new job postings every week.

Don't panic about this - I went through the exact same thing when I filed my claim earlier this year! The EAN is definitely one of those mysterious pieces of information that employers don't always make obvious to employees. Here's what worked for me: first, check if you have access to any online employee portals or apps your restaurant might have used - sometimes the EAN shows up in digital pay stubs or tax documents there. If that doesn't work, try calling during off-peak hours (like mid-morning on weekdays) when you're more likely to reach someone at your former workplace. Most importantly though, don't let this delay your filing! You can absolutely start your unemployment claim with just the restaurant's name, address, and your employment dates. The NYS DOL has sophisticated systems to match your work history to the right employer account, and they deal with missing EAN numbers literally every single day. I filed mine without the EAN initially and they sorted it out during processing without any issues. Just make sure to file within your deadline window - that's way more important than having every single piece of paperwork perfect from the start.

I just wanted to jump in here as someone who recently went through the unemployment filing process in NY. All the advice here is spot-on - the EAN number can definitely be tricky to track down, especially from smaller employers. One additional tip: if your restaurant was part of any business associations or used shared services (like a common accountant or payroll service for multiple small restaurants), sometimes those service providers can help you locate the EAN if your direct employer isn't responsive. Also, I'd recommend taking screenshots or photos of any documents you do find with the EAN, just in case you need to reference it again later in the process. The unemployment system can sometimes ask you to verify employer information multiple times. Don't let this one missing piece of info stress you out too much - as everyone has said, the DOL really can work with basic employer information and sort out the details on their end. Good luck with your claim!

I'm dealing with something similar but from a different angle. I received a workers comp settlement about 6 months ago while on unemployment (different employer, injury from 2020) and reported it exactly as everyone here is suggesting. No issues whatsoever with my benefits. The NYS Department of Labor didn't even follow up about it. What I learned from talking to a rep is that they're really looking for current wages or income that would indicate you're working while claiming benefits. Settlements for past injuries are treated completely separately. Just make sure you report it in the week you receive the actual payment, not when you sign the settlement agreement. The timing of reporting matters for their records.

I've been following this thread closely because I'm in almost the exact same boat - laid off in January, collecting UI, and just got news that my workers comp settlement from a shoulder injury at my previous job (2019) should finalize next month for around $12,000. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring! It sounds like the golden rule is: report it transparently when you receive the actual payment, use clear language like "Workers compensation settlement - injury from previous employer [year]", and don't stress about it since it's compensating for past medical costs and lost wages from a completely different employment period. The fact that multiple people here have gone through this exact scenario with settlements ranging from $15K-$22K and had zero issues with their benefits really puts my mind at ease. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is a lifesaver when you can't get through to NYS Department of Labor directly!

One thing - you still have to meet the job search requirements even for partial unemployment. Keep track of your work search activities because they can ask for your log anytime during certification.

Just went through this exact same situation at my job! The key thing is to file online at labor.ny.gov and when you do your weekly certifications, always report your gross earnings (before taxes). The system will automatically calculate how much partial benefit you get. Also keep all your pay stubs - they sometimes ask for proof of your reduced earnings. The whole process was way easier than I expected once I actually started it. Good luck!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - my benefits ran out about 10 days ago and I've been trying to figure out what to do next. This thread has been incredibly helpful because like others have mentioned, the DOL website really doesn't explain what happens after exhaustion very clearly. Based on everything I've read here, I'm creating my own action plan: 1. Apply for SNAP benefits immediately (seems like this is the fastest assistance available) 2. Call 211 to get a comprehensive list of local programs 3. Use that OTDA myBenefits screening tool that Ava mentioned 4. Look into emergency rental assistance through my county 5. Contact local Workforce Development for supportive services 6. Check out temp agencies for tax season work I also wanted to add something I discovered - if you have any outstanding medical bills or are worried about losing health insurance, you can often get retroactive Medicaid coverage. I called the Medicaid office and they said if I'm approved, it can cover medical expenses from up to 3 months before my application date. Might be worth looking into if anyone has healthcare costs they're worried about. The whole experience has been really stressful and overwhelming, but seeing everyone share practical advice and support each other makes it feel less isolating. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating all these different systems when we're already dealing with job loss and financial stress, but at least we're helping each other figure it out. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this is the kind of real-world guidance you just can't get anywhere else!

I'm about to face this same situation in the next couple of weeks and this entire thread has been absolutely invaluable - seriously, this is more helpful information than I've found anywhere else online. Maya, to answer your question about applying for multiple programs at once - I actually called 211 yesterday after reading about it here and the person I spoke with said there's no problem applying for multiple assistance programs simultaneously. In fact, they encouraged it because each program has different eligibility requirements and processing times. They said the screening tools are specifically designed to help you apply for everything you might qualify for without creating conflicts. I've started working through Gael's action plan and wanted to add a few things I've discovered: 1. When applying for SNAP, there's an expedited process if you have less than $150 in cash and monthly income, or if your housing costs are more than your income plus cash. The expedited applications get processed within 7 days instead of 30. 2. For anyone worried about the phone wait times, I found that calling NYSDOL early in the morning (right when they open at 8 AM) or later in the evening has shorter hold times than midday. 3. My local library actually has someone who helps with government benefit applications every Tuesday and Thursday - might be worth checking if yours offers something similar. The mental health aspect that others mentioned is so real. I've been losing sleep over this for weeks, but having a concrete plan of action from reading everyone's experiences here has honestly reduced my anxiety significantly. It's still a scary situation but at least now I know there are multiple safety nets available and specific steps I can take. Thank you to everyone who's shared their knowledge and experiences. This community support makes such a difference when you're navigating something this overwhelming for the first time!