The NYS Department of Labor job search requirement is such a hassle! I understand why they need it but having to track everything when you're already stressed about being unemployed is frustrating. At least they don't make you submit it every week like some states do.

I've been using a simple Google Doc to track my job search activities and it works great! I set up columns for date, company name, position, contact method, and any follow-up actions needed. Since it's in the cloud I can access it from anywhere and it's easy to search if I need to find something specific. The key is being consistent about logging everything right after you do it - don't wait until the end of the week or you'll forget details.

honestly just file and see what happens. the worst they can say is no and youll know for sure instead of guessing

I went through this exact situation last year! With your $800/week income, you should definitely file. The process is actually pretty straightforward - you can do it all online through the NYS Department of Labor website. Just make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your most recent pay stub ready. One tip: file on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday if possible - those are typically less busy days and the system runs smoother. Also, even if your hours are just cut (not completely eliminated), you might still qualify for partial benefits if your reduced earnings are below your weekly benefit amount.

I went through the exact same thing last year and the waiting period is absolutely nerve-wracking! In my case, it took about 3 weeks to get the decision letter in the mail, and my online account updated about 5 days after the letter arrived. The key thing to remember is that 10 days is still very early in the process - most decisions take 2-5 weeks depending on the judge's caseload. When I won my appeal, they automatically restored my claim and I received a lump sum payment for all the weeks I had missed, backdated to my original filing date. The fact that you felt the hearing went "okay" is actually encouraging - the judges are trained to remain neutral, so don't read too much into their demeanor. One tip: make sure to keep certifying for weekly benefits even while you're waiting for the decision, because if you win, those weeks will count toward your total benefit period. Try to be patient for at least another week or two before getting concerned about the timeline. You've got this!

I just went through this exact situation about 4 months ago and I completely understand the stress you're feeling! The waiting period after an appeal hearing is honestly one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of the whole unemployment process. In my case, it took exactly 19 days to receive the written decision in the mail, and my my.ny.gov account status updated about 3 days after the letter arrived. The fact that you're only at 10 days means you're still well within the normal timeframe - most decisions come between 2-4 weeks after the hearing. One thing that really helped me during the wait was remembering that no news doesn't necessarily mean bad news. The administrative law judges have to carefully review all the testimony and evidence before making their decision, which takes time. When I did win my appeal, they backdated all my benefits to my original claim date and I received everything I was owed in a lump sum payment. Keep hanging in there - the waiting is the hardest part but you should hear something soon!

This thread has been a lifesaver! I'm about 6 weeks into my NY unemployment claim and have been having the exact same confusion. I currently show 76 effective days remaining, which I now understand means I have 19 weeks left (76 ÷ 4 = 19) - not the 10-11 weeks I was calculating based on calendar days! What really gets me is how this isn't explained ANYWHERE in the initial paperwork or orientation materials. I've been stressed for weeks thinking I was running out of benefits way faster than I should be. The effective days system actually makes a lot of sense once you understand it, but they really need to do a better job explaining it upfront. I'm definitely going to start tracking this in a spreadsheet like others have mentioned. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain this so clearly - you've probably saved a lot of people from unnecessary panic attacks over their benefit calculations!

I'm new to this community and just started my NY unemployment claim last week. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly helpful! I was having the exact same confusion about the day counting system. I currently have 92 effective days showing on my account, which based on everyone's explanations means I have 23 weeks of benefits left (92 ÷ 4 = 23). I was initially panicking thinking I only had about 13 weeks based on calendar days. What a relief! It's really frustrating that NY DOL doesn't explain this effective days system clearly when you first file. I spent so much time worried that something was wrong with my account. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and math examples - this community is incredibly valuable for navigating these confusing systems. I'm definitely going to start tracking my effective days in a spreadsheet now that I understand how it all works!

To clarify the timeline: File your claim immediately (can be done online). You'll have a one-week waiting period that's unpaid. If your employer contests, it goes to adjudication which can take 2-6 weeks. If approved after adjudication, you get backpay for all eligible weeks. The sooner you file, the sooner the clock starts ticking.

Just went through this exact situation 3 months ago. File immediately - don't wait! The one-week waiting period Maxwell mentioned is accurate, but it only starts counting once you file. If your employer contests (which they probably will since you were fired), be prepared to explain your side during the adjudication process. The fact that you complained about safety issues before being fired could actually work in your favor - that might be considered retaliation rather than legitimate performance-based termination. Keep all documentation about those safety complaints. In the meantime, start job searching actively because you'll need to prove you're looking for work to keep getting benefits.