Keep in mind that if you do qualify for a new benefit year, your weekly benefit amount might be different since it's calculated from your most recent wage history. Also make sure you're still meeting all the job search requirements even between claims.

@Mateo Sanchez - I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. First thing you should do is log into your my.ny.gov account and check your "Benefit Year" dates - it'll show when your current benefit year ends. If it's been a full year since you first filed, you might be eligible for a new benefit year if you worked enough during that time. The key is whether you have sufficient wages in quarters that weren't used for your original claim calculation. Even if you only worked part-time or had a brief job during your benefit year, those wages could potentially qualify you for a new claim. Don't give up - many people don't realize they might be eligible for a second benefit year!

The whole system is rigged against small businesses IMO. We pay these huge taxes and then when we actually need to contest a fraudulent claim it takes months to get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor. Meanwhile our rates keep going up because of claims we shouldn't even be charged for!

For what it's worth, you can also appeal your experience rating if you think it's incorrect. I had to do this once when claims from a previous business acquisition were incorrectly attributed to our account. The process isn't fun but it's possible to get adjustments made. Just make sure you have good documentation of your payroll and employment records. The key is understanding that the system is meant to be self-balancing - employers who rarely have claims subsidize those who have more frequent layoffs.

Yes, there are separate penalties for late filing and late payment with NYS Department of Labor. Even if you file your quarterly report on time, you'll still face interest charges and penalties if you don't pay the taxes owed by the deadline. The interest rate is set by the state and compounds daily, so it adds up quickly. I learned this the hard way when I had a cash flow issue one quarter - filed on time but paid a week late and got hit with both interest and a penalty fee. It's worth setting up automatic payments or at least calendar reminders to avoid these extra costs.

For penalty specifics, NYS Department of Labor typically charges 1% per month for late payments (with a minimum penalty) plus daily compound interest that's adjusted periodically. The exact rates can change so check their current penalty schedule. As for automatic payments, you can set them up through the NY.gov online services portal once you have your employer account established - look for the "Online Services" section on the DOL website. You'll need your employer registration number to access it. I'd recommend calling them to confirm the current penalty structure since rates can shift annually, and having that direct confirmation helps with your budgeting planning.

I went through this same situation a few months ago - also got denied for "misconduct" when I was actually laid off due to company restructuring. I ended up hiring a lawyer and it was worth every penny. The attorney knew exactly what evidence to request from my former employer and how to present my case. We won the appeal and I got all my back benefits. If you're worried about cost, many lawyers will work on contingency for unemployment cases or offer payment plans. Don't let your employer's false misconduct claim stand - fight it!

I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this myself. One thing I learned is that NYS has legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost help with unemployment appeals if you qualify based on income. The Legal Aid Society and some local bar associations have programs specifically for unemployment cases. Also, if you do decide to represent yourself, make sure to request all the documents your employer submitted with their misconduct claim - you have a right to see their evidence before the hearing. The fact that your termination letter mentions budget cuts should work strongly in your favor. Document everything and don't be afraid to ask the hearing officer to clarify anything you don't understand during the process.

Just file the claim and let them sort it out. Better to apply and potentially get denied than not apply at all. You can always appeal if they make the wrong decision initially.

This happened to my coworker a few months ago and she got her benefits without any issues. The important thing is documenting everything - keep copies of your resignation letter with the date you submitted it and your intended last day, plus any emails or texts about them telling you to leave early. NYS Department of Labor will want to see that timeline clearly. Also, don't worry about mentioning your future job start date - you're entitled to benefits for the gap period between jobs as long as you're available to work during that time.