Just wanted to add that timing matters too when you're thinking about filing. If you're still in that 6-week probationary period and things aren't working out, you might want to consider whether leaving would be considered "good cause" versus being terminated. NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between quitting for good cause (like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties, etc.) and just quitting because the job isn't a good fit. If you're terminated during probation through no fault of your own, that's usually fine for unemployment eligibility. But if you quit just because it's not working out, that could complicate things even if you meet all the wage requirements everyone mentioned.

I've been through a similar situation where I wasn't sure about my eligibility after starting a new job. What really helped me was calling the NYS Department of Labor directly to go over my specific work history and wage credits. They can tell you exactly where you stand based on your individual circumstances. The representatives are usually pretty helpful once you get through - though I know that can be the challenging part! They can also explain how your previous employment would factor into the base period calculation, which varies depending on when exactly you file. It's worth having that conversation before you make any decisions about the job, especially since you're still in the probationary period where things could go either way.

The whole partial unemployment thing is such a nightmare with NYS Department of Labor. I've been dealing with this for months and they keep changing how much they deduct from my benefits. Sometimes I think they just make it complicated on purpose to discourage people from filing claims.

I went through something similar last year with NYS Department of Labor. The key thing to remember is that you need to report your reduced hours as "part-time work" on your weekly claim, not as residual pay. Residual pay is specifically for things like final vacation payouts or severance after you've completely separated from employment. Since you're still getting some hours (even if it's just 4 per week), you're considered partially unemployed. Make sure to report those earnings exactly - don't round up or down. The system will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount. Also keep all your pay stubs as documentation in case they audit your claim later.

To answer the earlier question about timing - the standards typically begin to relax after 13-16 weeks, with more significant changes around week 20-26. However, this can vary based on local unemployment rates and your specific circumstances. The important thing is to keep detailed records and continue your active job search. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's worth consulting with your local workforce development office before declining.

Thanks for all this helpful info everyone! I'm in a similar spot at week 16 and just want to add - make sure you're also documenting any training or certification programs you might be doing to improve your qualifications. NYS Department of Labor sometimes views this favorably when evaluating whether you're making reasonable efforts to find suitable work. I started an online logistics certification course and mentioned it when they questioned why I turned down a retail job that was way below my skill level. Also, if you're a union member, check if they have any guidance on suitable work requirements - mine had some really specific advice about what constitutes comparable work in our industry.

Ugh, I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! Got my monetary determination letter 18 days ago showing I'm approved for $467/week but my balance is still stuck at $0. I've called 7 times and keep getting the same generic "it's processing, just keep certifying weekly" response. After reading all these comments, I'm realizing I've been way too passive about this - clearly there are actual system glitches that need to be manually fixed, not just "processing delays" like they keep telling us. Going to call tomorrow and specifically ask them to check for technical errors and processing flags instead of just accepting their script responses. It's absolutely insane that we have to become IT troubleshooters just to get benefits we're legally entitled to, but at least now I know there's hope once you get past the lazy reps! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and the specific language to use - this thread is a lifesaver! 🙏

Just want to add my experience to this thread since I see so many people dealing with the same nightmare! I went through this exact situation about 6 weeks ago - got my monetary determination letter showing $434/week but my balance stayed at $0 for over 3 weeks. The breakthrough came when I stopped being polite and started being persistent. I called and specifically said "I need you to check for system errors, processing flags, or technical glitches that are preventing my approved claim from updating - not just the basic status." The rep found that my claim had gotten stuck in some kind of verification loop even though I had already been approved. Once they manually cleared it, I got all my backpay within 48 hours. Don't let them brush you off with "just wait" - there are real technical issues that need manual intervention. Keep detailed notes of every call and don't give up! The money IS there once they fix whatever is blocking it.

the whole system is messed up they should just make it simple but they want people to give up and not get benefits thats why they make it so complicated

Glad to hear you got through and got some answers! That 1.5 hour wait is pretty typical unfortunately. Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - when you file your new claim, make sure you have all your employer information from the past 18 months ready, not just your most recent job. The system looks at your entire base period to calculate your new benefit amount. Also, if your new claim gets approved for a lower weekly amount than your previous claim, you might be eligible to stay on your old claim through something called a "transitional claim" - definitely ask about that when you call. Hope your payment comes through soon!