@Ana Rusula - I had similar issues with the my.ny.gov site last year! In addition to the browser tips mentioned above, I'd also suggest trying to file your claim on a weekday between 6-8 AM when server traffic is lowest. If you're still having problems after trying different browsers and the SSN format fix, there's also a local American Job Center in Rochester at 200 Midtown Plaza that sometimes helps people troubleshoot online filing issues. They can't file claims directly for you anymore, but the staff there are pretty knowledgeable about common website problems. Also, make sure your popup blockers are disabled - that was blocking some verification screens for me. Hope this helps and you get it sorted out soon!

I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! The SSN verification error is super common. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Use Edge or Internet Explorer (not Chrome/Firefox), 2) Clear ALL browser data including cookies and cache, 3) Enter your SSN with no dashes/spaces, 4) Disable any ad blockers or popup blockers, and 5) Try filing between 6-8 AM when the system is less busy. If none of that works, you likely have a data mismatch in their system that requires human intervention. The Rochester American Job Center at 200 Midtown Plaza can help troubleshoot, and if you absolutely can't get through by phone, there's also a NY State Senator's office constituent services that can sometimes expedite these issues. Don't give up - it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually!

Just want to add that the NYS Department of Labor also considers the size of the employer when calculating these experience ratings. Smaller businesses like restaurants often get hit harder by rate increases from unemployment claims because they have fewer employees to spread the cost across. That might explain why your boss seemed particularly concerned - every claim really does impact their quarterly tax bill more significantly than it would for a big corporation.

Don't feel too bad about it - unemployment insurance is literally designed to protect workers like you who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Yes, employers pay into the system, but that's the whole point - it creates a social safety net while also incentivizing companies to maintain stable employment. Your boss calling you with "weird questions" is concerning though. They might be fishing for information to contest your claim. Just stick to the facts: you were laid off due to lack of work, not fired for cause. The NYS Department of Labor will investigate if they do contest, but legitimate layoff claims usually hold up fine.

Just to add some clarity - NY eliminated the waiting week in March 2020 as part of COVID relief measures and it has remained eliminated since then. You should receive payment for your first week as long as you meet all eligibility requirements and file your weekly certification on time. Typically first payments take 2-3 business days after certification if you have direct deposit set up, or a bit longer if you're using the debit card option. Keep an eye on your online account for any issues that might delay payment.

I can confirm what everyone else is saying - NY definitely eliminated the waiting week back in 2020 and it's still gone. I just went through the process a few months ago and got paid for my first week. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through the NYS DOL website so I'd get notifications about my claim status and payment updates. Also, if you're budgeting for rent, keep in mind that even though there's no waiting week, there can still be processing delays especially if it's your first claim, so maybe build in a few extra days just to be safe. The system usually works pretty smoothly once everything is set up properly.

If you're having trouble getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific situation, I used claimyr.com recently to actually reach an agent. They help you get through the phone lines when they're overwhelmed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking if there's any way your consulting arrangement could qualify, especially if you had any employment mixed in.

The system is so broken!!! I know people who worked under the table for YEARS and got unemployment no problem but those of us who followed all the rules and paid our taxes properly get screwed over. Makes no sense.

ugh this whole system is such a nightmare. why cant they just make the forms clearer instead of setting people up to fail?? ive been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and its like they WANT to make it impossible

One tip that helped me with the work history section - if you worked multiple jobs during any period, list them all even if they overlapped. The system needs to see your complete earnings picture to calculate benefits correctly. Also, for the "reason for separation" with reduced hours, you can usually select "lack of work" or "reduction in force" - both indicate it wasn't your fault. Keep all your documentation handy in case they need to verify anything during the review process.