I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago with my former employer. They wanted to transfer me 95 miles away and I refused because the commute would have been financially devastating. I documented everything - the transfer request, my response declining it, and detailed calculations of travel costs and time. When I filed for unemployment, I was initially nervous about whether I'd qualify, but NYS DOL approved my claim after reviewing the documentation. The key was showing that the transfer created genuine hardship that no reasonable person could be expected to accept. My advice: get everything in writing from your employer, calculate the true cost per mile (including depreciation and maintenance), and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. A 90-mile commute is absolutely unreasonable, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice your financial stability just to keep a job. The unemployment system exists for situations exactly like this where employers make working conditions untenable.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - my employer wants me to transfer 85 miles away and I'm terrified about what to do. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. I had no idea that NYS DOL actually considers commute distance and costs when evaluating unemployment claims. The advice about documenting everything, calculating true vehicle costs including maintenance, and getting the refusal in writing is so valuable. It's also really encouraging to see multiple people who have been through this successfully. For those who have gone through the unemployment application process after refusing a transfer, how long did it typically take to get a decision? I'm trying to plan financially for the potential gap in income while the claim is being processed.

Just so you know, there's also the state's unclaimed property database but that's for completely different stuff - like old paychecks or forgotten bank accounts. Unemployment benefits that you never claimed don't automatically go there. You have to work directly with NYS Department of Labor to recover any missed weekly certifications.

I went through something similar in 2022 and here's what I learned: you need to gather all your employment documentation from that time period before you call. Have your original claim confirmation, any correspondence from DOL, and proof of when you returned to work. The retroactive claim process requires you to prove you were unemployed and actively seeking work during those specific weeks. Also, make sure you're within the time limits - I think it's usually within 1 year of your benefit year end date, but double-check that. The sooner you start this process the better because it can take months to resolve.

I work in HR at a mid-size company and can confirm that many large employers do contest unemployment claims as a standard practice to protect their unemployment insurance rates. However, if you were terminated for reporting safety violations, that could actually strengthen your case since retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited under OSHA. Document everything - the safety issues you reported, when you reported them, who you reported to, and the timeline of your termination. NYS DOL adjudicators do consider whether the termination was retaliatory. Two weeks isn't unusually long for adjudication when there's a contest, but stay on top of submitting any requested documentation promptly.

From my experience working with unemployment cases, Walmart and other large retailers do systematically contest claims to keep their unemployment insurance rates low. However, your situation with the safety complaint timing could actually work in your favor. The fact that you were terminated just weeks after reporting unsafe conditions creates a pattern that NYS DOL adjudicators are trained to recognize as potential retaliation. Make sure to submit those photos and emails you mentioned - they're crucial evidence. Also, don't let the 2-week adjudication period worry you too much. When employers contest with documentation, it typically takes 3-6 weeks for a decision. Keep filing your weekly certifications during this time and stay organized with your evidence in case it goes to an appeal hearing.

yeah they definitely take it out automatically. happened to my brother when he was on unemployment last year. just be glad you're still getting something after support is taken out!

Just wanted to add that you can also check with your local Child Support Enforcement office to confirm the exact timing and amount of deductions. Sometimes there can be delays or discrepancies, and they can give you a clearer timeline than DOL. Also, if your financial situation has changed significantly due to unemployment, you might be able to request a modification of your support order - though that's a separate legal process from the unemployment benefits. Keep all your payment records organized in case you need them later.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I was fired for attendance issues 2 months ago when my mom was going through chemo treatments and I had to take her to multiple appointments and deal with emergency hospitalizations. Like many of you, I was convinced that being fired meant automatic denial and almost didn't apply. But reading all these success stories gave me the courage to file my claim, and I just got approved last week after a 4-week investigation! The investigator was incredibly understanding when I explained the medical circumstances and reviewed all my documentation - appointment confirmations, hospital records, and text messages to my supervisor. What really helped was being completely honest about the timeline, including times when I couldn't call before my shift because we were in the ER dealing with chemo complications. To everyone still hesitating - please don't let fear stop you from applying! NYS Department of Labor really does evaluate each case individually, and caring for seriously ill family members is exactly the kind of legitimate circumstance they understand isn't misconduct. You've earned these benefits through your work contributions, and you deserve a fair review of your situation. File your claim today and keep all your medical documentation organized - you've got this!

I was in almost exactly the same boat last year - fired for attendance issues while dealing with my daughter's chronic asthma that kept landing us in the ER at all hours. I was absolutely terrified to apply because I thought being fired was an automatic disqualification, but I'm so grateful I did! NYS Department of Labor approved my claim after about 5 weeks of review. The investigator completely understood that you can't schedule pediatric medical emergencies around work hours. What saved me was keeping meticulous records - every ER visit summary, urgent care receipt, text message to my supervisor, even photos of the prescription bottles. There were definitely times I couldn't call before my shift because I was literally carrying my kid into an emergency room at 4 AM, but when I explained those circumstances honestly during the phone interview, they totally got it. The key is showing that you weren't being negligent or willfully absent - you were responding to legitimate family medical crises that any reasonable parent would prioritize. Don't let fear paralyze you like it almost did me! You've been paying into this system with every paycheck specifically for situations like this. File your claim today and start organizing all your medical documentation. Based on everything you've described, you have a very strong case. The relief when I got that approval letter was incredible - not just financially, but knowing that they recognized I was doing what any parent would do in that situation.