I actually just went through this process a few months ago as a temp worker! Want to add one important thing that helped me - when you file your claim, make sure you list the temp agency's full legal business name exactly as it appears on your pay stubs. I initially just put the common name they go by and it caused a delay in processing because the wage records didn't match up properly. Also, if you worked for multiple temp agencies during your base period, you'll need to list all of them with their respective wage amounts. The NYS Department of Labor was actually really helpful once I got through to them - they explained that temp workers are some of the most common unemployment claimants, so the system is definitely set up to handle our situations. Just be patient with the initial processing time and make sure all your information is accurate. You've got this!

I've been working temp assignments for about 2 years now and have filed for unemployment between longer gaps in work several times. You absolutely qualify as a temp worker in NY! One thing I'd add that I learned the hard way - when you file your initial claim, they'll ask for the reason your employment ended. Make sure you select something like "lack of work" or "temporary layoff" rather than "quit" since your assignment ending isn't the same as quitting. Also, while you're collecting benefits, keep checking in with your temp agency regularly. I usually called mine once a week to show I was actively seeking work through them, which helped satisfy the job search requirements. The whole process is really designed with temp workers in mind since we're such a big part of the workforce now. Don't stress too much about the paperwork - just be thorough and honest about your work history and you should be fine!

Hey @Lindsey Fry! I just wanted to jump in and say you're definitely not alone in this - the NYSDOL system is confusing even for people who've been through it before! I'm actually going through something similar right now where I'm trying to figure out my next steps. Reading through all these responses has been super educational - I had no idea there was such a big difference between exhausting your 26 weeks vs your benefit year ending. One thing that's been helpful for me is keeping a little notebook with all the important dates and info from my account. Like when my benefit year ends, how many weeks I've used, what my weekly benefit amount is, etc. That way when I do finally get through to someone (fingers crossed!), I have everything right in front of me. The 8am calling strategy that multiple people mentioned seems to be the real deal - I'm definitely going to try that this week. And honestly, while it sucks that we might have to pay for that claimyr service just to access our own benefits, it sounds like it could be worth it if you're really stuck. Hope you get some clarity on your situation soon! This whole process is stressful enough without having to decode all the confusing rules and requirements. Hang in there! 💪

@Lindsey Fry I'm going through the exact same thing right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I had no clue about the difference between hitting your 26-week limit vs your benefit year ending - that's such crucial info that isn't explained clearly anywhere on the official site. Based on what everyone's sharing, here's what I'm planning to do (maybe it'll help you too): 1. Check my claim summary on ny.gov for benefit year dates and remaining weeks 2. Try the 8am calling strategy - seems to be the consensus that it actually works 3. If that fails, maybe try reaching out on Twitter @NYSLabor 4. Keep all my employment docs ready just in case I need to file a new claim The fact that NY doesn't have extended benefit programs running right now (thanks @Ava Garcia for that info!) is disappointing but at least now I know what to expect. It's honestly crazy that we all have to become unemployment experts just to figure out our own benefits, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their real experiences here. Makes this whole confusing process feel a lot less overwhelming! Good luck with your situation - sounds like we're all in this together! 🤞

I had the same concern recently! In my case, the correspondence issue date was for a form letter about work search requirements that arrived about a week later in the mail. NYS DOL seems to have delays between when they generate correspondence and when it actually gets delivered. One thing that helped me was creating an account on USPS Informed Delivery so I could see what mail was coming - that way I knew to expect something from the Department of Labor. If you're really worried, you can also try visiting a local Career Center in person, they can sometimes look up what correspondence was issued for your claim.

I work at a local Career Center and see this question a lot! The correspondence issue date is just when the system generated a document - it doesn't mean there's an emergency. Common reasons include routine eligibility reviews, work search requirement reminders, or acknowledgments of forms you submitted. The delay between issue date and actual delivery can be 5-10 business days depending on mail processing. If you're still certifying weekly without any error messages, you're likely fine. That said, if nothing arrives by next Friday, definitely contact them since some correspondence does have response deadlines. Pro tip: bring your claim number and the correspondence issue date when you call - it helps them locate the specific document faster.

I went through this exact situation last year after leaving a toxic workplace. Yes, your employer gets notified automatically - there's no way around it. The notice they receive includes basic info like your claim date and employment period, but not detailed reasons why you're claiming benefits. However, if they contest it (which they might if you quit), then the specifics come out during the hearing process. I'd recommend documenting everything you can about the hostile work environment before filing - save emails, texts, write down incidents with dates, get witness contact info if possible. The good news is that if you truly have good cause, NYS does recognize hostile work environment as valid grounds for quitting. Just be prepared for a potentially lengthy appeals process if your employer fights it.

Just wanted to add that if you're worried about your employer finding out, you should know that they'll receive the notification regardless of whether you were fired or quit. However, the initial notice doesn't include your personal reasons for filing - it's mainly for wage verification. The detailed circumstances only come up if they decide to contest your claim. I'd suggest filing sooner rather than later since there are time limits, and you can always appeal if they contest it. Also, keep in mind that even if the relationship ended badly, many employers don't bother contesting claims unless there was serious misconduct involved, since it takes time and resources on their end too.

I'm currently on day 12 of waiting for my unemployment claim to be processed and reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful. I was laid off from my job at a marketing agency due to company restructuring and filed through my.ny.gov almost two weeks ago. Like many others, my status just says "claim under review" and I've been getting anxious about the timeline. Hearing from Zara that hers took exactly 21 days and then got approved with retroactive payments really puts things in perspective. I've been diligent about filing my weekly certifications even though nothing has been approved yet, so it's reassuring to know that won't go to waste. The financial stress is real when you're waiting and have bills piling up, but it sounds like patience is really the key here. For anyone else in the waiting phase - we're all in this together and it seems like most people do get approved eventually if their situation is legitimate.

I'm currently on day 4 of waiting after filing my unemployment claim through my.ny.gov following a layoff from my customer service job. Reading through all these experiences has been so reassuring - especially hearing from Zara about the 21-day timeline and retroactive payments, and seeing that others like Miguel and Micah are in similar waiting periods right now. I've been panicking because I've never filed for unemployment before and wasn't sure if 4 days was already too long, but it sounds like I'm still very early in the normal process. I'm definitely going to keep up with my weekly certifications while waiting. The financial anxiety is real when you're suddenly without income, but this community has really helped me understand what to expect. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences!