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Just wanted to add that if your benefit amount seems wrong when it finally shows up, you can appeal it. I had to do that because they miscalculated my base period earnings. The appeal process took another month but I ended up getting $75 more per week which added up over time.
Emma, I went through this same situation last year when I got laid off from my job. The "benefit amount pending" status is frustrating but pretty normal - it usually means they're verifying your wage records with your employer. In the meantime, you can try to estimate it yourself using the formula others mentioned. Take your highest earning quarter from last year, divide by 13 weeks, then take half of that amount. That should give you a rough idea. Also, make sure you're continuing to certify for benefits each week even while the amount is pending, otherwise you might miss out on back payments once it's approved.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! They disqualify people for the stupidest reasons then make it impossible to fix. I've been disqualified THREE TIMES for things that weren't even my fault. Each time takes months to sort out while you're left with nothing.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got disqualified out of nowhere and can't figure out why. The stress is killing me because I have bills due next week. One thing that helped me was creating an account on the NY.gov website and checking EVERY section - sometimes the determination letters show up in weird places. Also try calling the technical support line (not the claims line) - they can sometimes see system notes that explain the disqualification even if you haven't gotten the official letter yet. Hang in there, most of these end up being fixable once you understand what triggered it.
Another option nobody's mentioned - some credit unions will cash government checks even if you're not a member. My friend used SEFCU (now Broadview) and they didn't charge him anything. Might be worth calling a few local credit unions to ask.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I tried KeyBank this morning and successfully cashed my check with just my driver's license. The line wasn't too bad (about 20 minutes) and they didn't charge any fees. For anyone else in this situation, just make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to have your thumbprint taken on the check. They were actually really nice about it!
This exact thing happened to me! The key is having proof you communicated with your supervisor. Show the phone records, any texts or emails. If you have your old schedule showing you weren't scheduled for the 15th that's golden. I won my hearing after 5 weeks of waiting. If you need help getting through to someone while you wait, try claimyr.com - worked for me when I needed answers fast.
Yo this is so frustrating! Same thing happened to my friend last year - employer straight up lied saying she abandoned her job when she had medical documentation for missing work. The good news is you have phone records which is HUGE evidence in your favor. Make sure you get your phone bill that shows the exact time/date you called on the 16th. Also if you can get any copy of your work schedule showing you weren't supposed to work the 15th, that's gonna destroy their argument. Document everything and stay organized for your hearing - you got this! 💪
Eli Butler
File immediately! Don't overthink it. I filed on a Wednesday when I got laid off and started getting benefits the following week after my waiting week. The key is just getting in the system ASAP.
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Sayid Hassan
I just went through this process a few months ago when I lost my retail job. Here's what worked for me: file your initial claim online immediately - don't wait even a day. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. For weekly claims, I always file on Sunday afternoons around 2-3pm when the system seems most stable. You'll be claiming benefits for the week that just ended, so your first weekly claim would be filed the Sunday after your first full week of unemployment. One tip - keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one because they'll ask for that info when you certify. The whole process is less scary than it seems once you get started!
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Liam O'Sullivan
•This is really helpful, thank you! I was wondering about the job search records - do you remember what specific information they wanted? Like just company names and dates, or more detailed info about each application?
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