wait so you dont have to work somewhere for like 6 months or a year to get unemployment?? i thought there was a minimum time requirement at each job

I was in a similar situation last year - started a job in February and had to leave by June due to hostile work environment. The key thing is that NYS DOL will look at ALL your previous employment, not just your most recent job. So if you worked anywhere in the past 15-18 months and earned enough during that base period, you should qualify. Just make sure you document everything about those schedule changes - dates, times, any emails or texts about last-minute changes. That documentation could be crucial if you need to prove you had good cause for leaving.

Just want to echo what others said - quitting to go to school typically won't qualify you for UI benefits. There are some training programs that might allow you to collect while in school, but you'd need to be laid off first and then get approved for the training. Check with your local career center about approved training programs.

Just to add some practical advice - if you're really considering this path, you might want to look into whether your employer offers any educational assistance or leave of absence options first. Some companies will work with you on flexible schedules or even tuition reimbursement for job-related training. Also, check if there are any evening or weekend programs available so you could potentially keep working while training. The unemployment system really isn't designed to support voluntary career changes, so exploring other options first might save you a lot of headaches.

I went through something similar when I was fired for attendance issues related to my kids getting sick frequently. The key thing that helped me was being completely honest about the circumstances when I filed. I explained the childcare situation in detail and provided documentation like daycare closure notices and pediatrician notes. NYS Department of Labor actually approved my claim because they determined it wasn't willful misconduct - just unfortunate circumstances. Don't let the fear of denial stop you from filing immediately. The worst thing you can do is wait, because there are strict deadlines for filing claims. Good luck!

I'm dealing with something similar right now after getting let go for attendance issues. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful. One thing I wanted to add is that when you file your claim, don't just focus on the transportation and childcare problems - also mention any efforts you made to address the tardiness issue with your employer. Did you ever ask about flexible start times, offer to stay late to make up time, or suggest any other accommodations? NYS Department of Labor looks at whether you tried to resolve the situation in good faith. Even if your employer wasn't willing to work with you, showing that you attempted to find solutions can help demonstrate that your termination wasn't due to willful misconduct. Also, if you have any performance reviews or documentation showing you were a good employee otherwise, include that too.

This whole thread is makin me anxious AF cuz I just applied last week and now im scared ill be waiting forever too. The system is such a joke 😡

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 9 months is absolutely ridiculous! Reading through all these responses, it seems like the key is getting to someone who can actually see what's blocking your claim. Based on what others have shared, I'd suggest trying multiple approaches at once: 1) Use that direct claims specialist number someone mentioned (888-209-8124), 2) Contact your state representatives' offices for constituent services, and 3) Try that Twitter DM approach to @NYSLabor. The fact that so many people have had similar experiences and then got resolved quickly once they reached the right person gives me hope for you. Don't give up - you're entitled to those benefits and the backpay! Keep us updated on what works.

same boat here but in Buffalo... rent due next week and still waiting on NYS Department of Labor to process my claim from 3 weeks ago. this system is so broken

I'm in a similar situation in Syracuse - lost my restaurant job 3 weeks ago and still waiting on my claim to process. What helped me get through was plasma donation if you're eligible (BioLife pays around $50-100 per donation), and I signed up for gig work like DoorDash just to have some immediate income while waiting. Also reach out to Salvation Army and Catholic Charities - they both have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent if you're about to be evicted. The key is applying for everything NOW, don't wait until you're completely out of money. Stay strong, the benefits will come eventually!