Have you tried talking to your manager or HR about this issue in writing? Before you quit, I'd recommend sending an email documenting your original availability agreement and requesting accommodation for your school schedule. This creates a paper trail that shows you tried to resolve the issue before leaving. If they refuse or ignore your request, that strengthens your case for "good cause" if you do end up quitting. Also, check if your employee handbook mentions anything about scheduling accommodations - sometimes there are policies they're supposed to follow that they're not honoring.

I went through something similar when I was in college. My employer kept ignoring my class schedule even though I gave it to them at the start of each semester. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log - I wrote down every time they scheduled me during class hours, every conversation I had with my manager about it, and took screenshots of my schedule vs my class times. I also sent a formal email to HR explaining the situation and requesting they honor my original availability agreement. When they didn't respond, I quit and filed for unemployment. It took about 6 weeks for adjudication, but I was approved because I could prove I tried to resolve it and that the schedule conflicts made it impossible to keep the job. The key is having documentation that shows you made good faith efforts to work with them first.

The whole system is so confusing honestly. I filed too early once and they told me I had to wait and refile. Then another time I waited too long and missed out on a week of benefits. There should be clearer instructions on the website about timing.

Based on my experience, here's the exact timeline: File your initial claim application on the Monday after your last day of work (so the Monday after next Friday in your case). Once your claim is approved (usually takes 2-3 business days), you can then file your first weekly certification for that same week you became unemployed. The important thing is that you must be totally unemployed during the entire week you're claiming - so if Friday is your last day, you'd claim the full week starting that Monday. Don't overthink it - just make sure you have all your employment documentation ready and file as soon as you're eligible. The system will guide you through the process once you start.

The unemployment system is so frustrating!! They make it seem like once you quit you're automatically screwed but there are definitely exceptions. I know someone who quit because their boss was making racist comments and they got approved after the investigation. Just be really detailed about WHY you had to leave when you file.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. The key thing I learned is that NYS DOL really does look at each case individually when it comes to voluntary quits. Mental health issues caused by a toxic work environment can definitely qualify as good cause, but you need to be prepared to explain how you tried to address the problems first. Did you talk to HR, your supervisor, or document any incidents? Even if you don't have tons of written evidence, they'll still review your case. I'd recommend filing the claim and being very thorough in explaining the timeline of events that led to your decision to leave. The worst they can do is deny it, but you might be surprised - and you can always appeal if needed.

One more important thing - make sure you understand the difference between gross and net earnings. NYS Department of Labor wants your gross earnings before taxes and deductions when you file your weekly claim. And remember, even if you earn too much to get benefits for a particular week, you're still maintaining your claim and using up one of your benefit weeks.

I went through something similar last year when I was on unemployment and picked up freelance work. One thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track my weekly earnings and calculate what my benefit reduction would be before I filed each claim. That way I wasn't surprised by the amounts. Also, don't forget that if you work more than 3 days in a week, even if you're under the earnings threshold, it can still affect your benefits. The day limit is separate from the dollar limit, which nobody ever mentions. Good luck with the temp job!

ugh this is exactly what im worried about too... my benefits end next month and i still havent found anything decent. the job market is terrible right now

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending soon too. From what I've researched, New York's Extended Benefits program is tied to specific unemployment rate triggers that have to be met at the state level. The program can provide up to 13 additional weeks, but only when the state's unemployment rate is significantly higher than it was in previous years. I'd recommend calling NYS DOL directly or checking their website for current trigger status, since this changes based on monthly employment data. Even if extensions aren't available right now, they could become available if economic conditions change.