I work as a benefits counselor and can confirm that outpatient treatment should not disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY. The key criteria is "able and available for work" - and since your program is only 12 hours per week, you clearly meet this standard. When you certify weekly, you'll answer yes to being available for work. If questioned, explain it's medical treatment that doesn't interfere with full-time employment. Many people receive unemployment while managing medical appointments, therapy, or other health needs. The fact that you're proactively addressing your health actually demonstrates responsibility that most employers would respect. Focus on your job search during your available hours and keep good records. You're making a positive choice for your future - don't let benefit concerns delay getting the help you need.

I'm a social worker who has helped clients navigate this exact situation many times. You're absolutely eligible for unemployment benefits while in outpatient treatment! The NYS DOL defines "available for work" as being able to accept suitable employment, and a 12-hour weekly treatment schedule clearly doesn't prevent that. In fact, many employers today are very supportive of employees in recovery programs. When you file your weekly certifications, just answer honestly that you're able and available for work - because you are! The treatment schedule is manageable around any work schedule. I always tell my clients that taking care of your health makes you a better employee in the long run. Don't let this worry stop you from getting the help you deserve. You've got this!

Reading through this entire thread has been so eye-opening! I've been on unemployment for about 3 months now and have been terrified of making a mistake like this. The fact that so many people have accidentally clicked the wrong button really shows how poorly designed the certification interface is. What strikes me most is how helpful this community has been compared to the official NYSDOL resources - you all provided more useful information in one thread than I've found anywhere on their website! I'm definitely going to start using the checklist method that @Mason Stone mentioned and keep this thread bookmarked in case I ever need it. It's also really encouraging to see that the actual agents are understanding and helpful once you get through to them. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially @Anastasia Romanov for following up with the resolution!

Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm new to the unemployment system and honestly had no idea that certification errors like this could happen or how to fix them. Reading everyone's experiences has been both reassuring and educational. It's pretty shocking that in 2025 there's still no way to edit your answers after submission - like others mentioned, even basic shopping sites have better error prevention! I'm definitely going to use the checklist method and take my time with each question. It's also great to know that mid-morning seems to be the best time to call if issues arise. Thank you all for creating such a supportive thread with actual practical advice - this is way more useful than anything I've found on official government sites!

Just to add - make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file. The NYS Department of Labor will need your last employer's details, your wages for the past 18 months, and the reason for separation. Having everything organized will make the process much smoother.

As someone who recently went through this process, I can confirm what others have said - file immediately! There's no grace period in NY. I filed my claim the Monday after my last day of work and was able to get benefits for that first week. The online system at labor.ny.gov is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. One thing I wish I had known is that you can file your initial claim even if you don't have all your previous employer information perfectly organized - you can always update details later, but you can't go back and claim weeks you missed filing for.

I've been through this exact same situation with Chime and NY unemployment backpay. In my experience, once it shows "released" in the NYSDOL system, you're usually looking at 12-24 hours max with Chime. They're one of the fastest banks for unemployment deposits. The key thing to remember is that "released" means NY has sent the payment, but it still has to process through the banking system. If it's been released since noon today like you mentioned, I'd expect to see it in your Chime account by tomorrow morning. Chime will send you a notification as soon as it hits, so you don't have to keep refreshing your balance constantly. Stay patient - it's coming!

I'm new to this community and currently dealing with the same waiting game! My NY unemployment backpay was marked as "released" this morning around 9am and I also bank with Chime. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful - it sounds like most people see their deposits within 12-24 hours once it shows released. I'm trying to stay patient but it's hard when you really need the money. Has anyone noticed if the time of day it gets released affects when it actually deposits? Like if it's released in the morning vs afternoon?

I'm also with Chase and have been through this a few times! In my experience, once NY unemployment releases the payment, it usually hits Chase accounts pretty quickly - typically within 24-48 hours. Chase processes ACH transfers overnight, so there's a good chance you'll wake up tomorrow and see it there! I always set my phone to check around 6-7 AM because that's when most overnight deposits post. The fact that you got the release notification today is a great sign - the system is working as it should. Just try to stay patient (I know it's hard when you need the money!). If for some reason it doesn't show up by Thursday, that's when I'd start making calls, but honestly I'd bet you'll see it tomorrow morning!

I've been dealing with NY unemployment payments and Chase for a while now, and from my experience, you should definitely see it within 1-2 business days! Chase is actually pretty reliable with these ACH transfers. Since yours was released today, I'd expect to see it hit your account tomorrow morning or Wednesday at the latest. The overnight processing usually happens between 2-6 AM, so check first thing when you wake up. I know the waiting is nerve-wracking when you really need the funds, but once you see that "released" status, you're basically in the clear. The banking system just needs to do its thing. Hang tight - it's coming!