Thanks everyone. I think I'll apply based on the restaurant job and see what happens. At least now I know how to report the DoorDash earnings properly if my claim gets approved.

Good luck with your application! Just wanted to add - when you report your DoorDash earnings, make sure to keep detailed records of your daily/weekly income since gig work can be so variable. NYS Department of Labor will want accurate numbers, and having good documentation will help if there are any questions later. Also remember that you need to be actively seeking traditional employment while collecting benefits, so keep applying for regular jobs too. The combination of partial benefits plus some DoorDash income might actually work out better than just doing gig work alone right now.

Good luck with everything! Losing a federal job is really stressful. At least you know you have unemployment benefits to fall back on while you look for something new.

Just wanted to add that when you file your claim, make sure you have your most recent SF-50 (Personnel Action form) handy - NYS Department of Labor will likely ask for it during the application process. Also, if you're planning to apply for other federal positions, you can still collect unemployment benefits while job searching, just make sure to report any interview travel reimbursements or temporary work. The waiting period is the same as regular unemployment (one week), so don't panic if you don't see payments right away. Hope this helps and sorry to hear about your position being eliminated!

I completely understand your anxiety about this - it's natural to worry about burning bridges with a potential future employer. But here's the thing: unemployment benefits exist precisely for situations like yours. You were laid off through no fault of your own, and you have bills to pay while you look for work or wait for a potential callback. Any reasonable employer understands this reality. The fact that your manager mentioned a possible callback actually shows they value you as an employee, which means they're likely to be understanding about you needing to file for benefits in the meantime. Don't let fear of what someone might think prevent you from accessing the financial support you've earned and deserve. File that claim and take care of yourself first.

I totally get the anxiety about this! I was in a similar spot last year when my restaurant job had to let people go during the slow season. I kept putting off filing because I was worried about what my boss would think, especially since she said they'd probably bring me back when things picked up. But honestly, waiting cost me weeks of benefits I really needed. When I finally filed, nothing bad happened - my boss never even brought it up when they did call me back. The reality is that unemployment benefits are there for exactly this situation, and employers know that. Don't let worry about hypothetical future problems stop you from getting the help you need right now!

My situation was different but sorta related - I had TWO part-time jobs and lost one completely. Got partial unemployment for that. Had to report the income from the job I still had every week. One thing to remember is they ask about work days from Monday-Sunday, not your employer's workweek. Messed me up at first.

On the technical side, make sure you answer "YES" to the question "Did you work less than 4 days and earn less than $594?" during your weekly certification if that applies to you. Answer "YES" to "Have you returned to work?" since you're still employed. Then accurately report number of days worked and gross earnings before deductions. It's straightforward once you understand the system.

I actually work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and deal with these situations regularly. The key distinction is between "totally disabled" and "partially disabled with restrictions." If you can perform any type of work - even with accommodations - you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor will evaluate whether you're "able and available" for work within your limitations. Make sure to get a detailed functional capacity evaluation from your doctor that specifies what you CAN do, not just what you can't. When you file, be completely transparent about your restrictions and emphasize your willingness to work within those parameters. Keep detailed records of your job search efforts focusing on positions that match your capabilities.

I've been following this thread and wanted to share my experience from last year. I was in almost the exact same situation - injured at work, went on short-term disability, then my employer couldn't accommodate my lifting restrictions when I was cleared to return with limitations. I successfully collected unemployment while having work restrictions. The key things that helped me: 1) I got a detailed letter from my doctor outlining exactly what I could and couldn't do (like "can lift up to 20 lbs, no repetitive bending, can stand/walk for 4 hours max"), 2) I documented every job application for positions that fit my restrictions, and 3) I was completely honest on my unemployment application about having limitations. NYS DOL did call me for a phone interview about 3 weeks after I filed, but once I explained I was actively seeking work within my medical restrictions, they approved my claim. The process took about 5 weeks total. Don't let anyone tell you this is "double dipping" - if you can work and are looking for work, you deserve benefits while you search for a job that accommodates your needs.