good luck with the system... it's a nightmare to navigate and they make you jump through hoops constantly. at least you qualify though, that's the main thing

I went through this process last year after a layoff. One thing I wish I had known earlier - make sure you file your weekly certification by the deadline (usually Sunday night) or you'll miss that week's payment entirely. Also, keep copies of everything you submit because the system sometimes glitches and loses information. The good news is that once you get into the routine, it becomes pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the weekly requirements and document everything!

Just went through this exact situation last month! Got let go during my 90-day probation at a retail job and was able to reopen my claim no problem. The key things that helped me: 1. I stopped certifying the week I started work (super important!) 2. When I got terminated, I immediately went online and reopened my claim 3. Had to do a phone interview where they asked about why I was let go - just be honest 4. They asked for my start/end dates and final pay info Since it was just "not a good fit" and not misconduct, they approved me to continue with my remaining benefits. The whole process took about 2 weeks from reopening to getting my first payment back. Pro tip: if you need to talk to someone, don't waste time calling - use one of those callback services. Worth every penny to avoid the hold times!

Been in a similar spot before - the good news is you can definitely return to your remaining benefits if things don't work out during probation. Just make sure you're documenting everything from day one at the new job (emails, performance feedback, etc.) in case you need it later. And definitely stop certifying for benefits the moment you start working! That's crucial. If you do get let go, you can reopen your claim online pretty easily as long as it wasn't for misconduct. The probation period thing actually works in your favor since most terminations during that time are just "not a good fit" rather than misconduct.

Wait, so if you're injured and can't work, you can't get unemployment? That seems backwards to me. I thought unemployment was for when you lose your job and need income support.

@Zoe Dimitriou I went through almost the exact same situation two years ago when I tore my ACL in a skiing accident. Like others have mentioned, regular unemployment won't work since you can't meet the "able and available" requirement with medical restrictions. But NY State Disability Benefits was a lifesaver for me! The application process through wcb.ny.gov was pretty straightforward - you'll need your medical records showing the injury and work restrictions. One tip: make sure your doctor is specific about the dates you're unable to work, as that affects your benefit period. The payments aren't as much as unemployment would be (it's a percentage of your wages), but it definitely helps bridge the gap while you recover. I'd also suggest applying as soon as possible since there's typically a waiting period before benefits start.

Just to add - if you're planning to start collecting Social Security while still getting unemployment, make sure you understand the earnings test if you're under full retirement age. But since unemployment isn't earned income, it shouldn't trigger the earnings test anyway.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar boat - been laid off from my job at 62 and trying to figure out the best strategy. Just to clarify what I'm understanding: my NYS unemployment won't reduce my future Social Security retirement benefits, but if I start collecting SS now while getting unemployment, the combination might push me into a tax bracket where I have to pay taxes on the SS benefits? Also wondering if there are any other programs or benefits that unemployment might affect - like Medicare eligibility timing or anything else I should be aware of?

This whole system is so backwards! Why can't they just make it retroactive to your last day of work? It's like they're punishing people for not knowing the rules. I lost out on 3 weeks because nobody told me this when I got fired.

I completely understand the frustration - I went through the same thing when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year. The key thing everyone's mentioned is absolutely right: file TODAY. Don't wait another day. I learned the hard way that NYS doesn't backdate claims, so every day you delay is money out of your pocket. The application on my.ny.gov is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months. Even if you're still job hunting (which is great!), you can continue looking while collecting benefits - just make sure to report any work you do. The system is designed to support you while you find your next job, so use it!