Been through this exact thing. File with NY since that's where your wages were earned. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - dates, employer info, reason for separation, etc. The NYS Department of Labor system will walk you through it.

Just want to add that when you file with NYS Department of Labor, make sure you have your Social Security number and all your employment details from the NY job ready. The system is pretty straightforward once you get started. I was in a similar situation (lived in PA, worked in NY) and it was actually easier than I expected. The key thing is that your employer was paying into the NY unemployment system, so that's definitely where your claim needs to go. Don't overthink it - you've got this!

I'm in a really similar boat right now - got let go last month for attendance issues that were mostly due to health problems and my car breaking down constantly. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits. @Jacinda Yu your story especially resonates with me since it sounds like you had the exact same mix of health and transportation issues. I've been hesitating to file because I was worried they'd automatically deny anyone fired for attendance, but it sounds like they actually look at the circumstances. Going to gather up all my medical records and start the application process this week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm going through something very similar right now - just got terminated last week for attendance issues that were mainly due to ongoing health problems and unreliable transportation. Reading everyone's experiences here is really giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits despite being fired. I was honestly terrified to even apply because I thought attendance-related terminations would be an automatic disqualification. But seeing that NYS Department of Labor actually looks at whether it was willful misconduct versus circumstances beyond your control makes me feel much more confident about filing. I have all my medical documentation from this year and records of the car repairs that caused some of my tardiness. Planning to be completely transparent about everything when I file my claim this week. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now!

Good point about job searches. You need to be doing at least 3 job search activities per week and keeping detailed records. This includes applying for jobs, networking activities, attending job fairs, etc. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time so keep good documentation.

I went through something similar with attendance issues and car problems. The key thing that helped my case was that I had documentation - text messages to my supervisor about the car trouble, repair receipts showing when it was in the shop, and proof I was trying to find alternative transportation. NYS DOL looks at whether you made a good faith effort to maintain your job despite the circumstances. If you have any records of communicating with your manager about the car issues or trying to arrange rides/alternative transportation, gather all of that. It shows the absences weren't just careless but due to legitimate transportation barriers.

File ASAP and be honest about everything. The adjudication process will review all the facts. If you can show the car problems were legitimate and you tried to address them, you have a good shot at approval.

I went through something similar a few months ago - got fired for attendance due to public transit delays that were completely out of my control. NYS DOL approved my claim after about 3 weeks of review. The key things that helped me were: 1) I documented every incident with timestamps and photos of delayed train notifications, 2) I showed I had notified my supervisor each time I was going to be late, and 3) I had a generally good work record otherwise. Since you mentioned car troubles, definitely gather those mechanic receipts and any texts/emails you sent to your boss about the situation. The fact that you worked there for 2 years with no other issues will definitely work in your favor. Good luck!

The NYS Department of Labor system is so broken. They make you jump through hoops even when you deserve benefits. I got fired for 'performance issues' which was basically my boss not liking me, and they still made me wait 6 weeks while they 'investigated.' Meanwhile bills don't stop coming. Good luck dealing with their bureaucracy.

I went through something similar when I got let go for attendance issues last year. The NYS Department of Labor will review your case individually - they look at whether you had good cause for the absences and if your employer followed their progressive discipline policy. Since you have documentation of car trouble, make sure to gather any repair receipts or records showing when your vehicle broke down. Also check if your employer has a written attendance policy - sometimes they don't follow their own procedures which can work in your favor. File your claim as soon as possible because even if approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.