been there! so stressful when you're counting on that money and then get denied. definitely appeal if you think they made a mistake about the layoff vs firing thing

I went through something similar last year - got denied initially because of a "misconduct" classification when I was actually laid off. The key thing is to gather all your documentation ASAP: layoff notice, any company-wide emails about downsizing, your final paystub, etc. When you file your appeal (do it online through the NYS DOL website or call their appeals line), make sure to clearly state that you were laid off due to company downsizing, not fired for misconduct. The hearing officer will review both your evidence and what your employer submitted. In my case, it turned out HR had incorrectly coded my separation as "fired" instead of "laid off" in their system. Once I provided the layoff documentation, the decision was reversed and I got all my back benefits. Don't let the initial denial discourage you - errors happen more often than you'd think.

Just filed mine last week, super easy! The my.ny.gov portal works great now. Make sure you file within the first week of being unemployed or you might miss out on benefits for that week. Also Rochester doesn't have a walk-in center anymore - everything really is online or by phone these days.

Hey Lena! Just wanted to add that when you file online, make sure to keep records of everything - screenshot your confirmation page and save any reference numbers they give you. Also, you'll need to certify for benefits every week after your initial claim, which you can also do through the my.ny.gov portal. The first payment usually takes 2-3 weeks to process, so don't panic if you don't see money right away. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact situation last year and want to share what I learned. First, definitely start applying for other assistance programs NOW - don't wait until September. SNAP benefits can take a few weeks to process, and rental assistance programs often have waiting lists. Also, consider looking into temporary staffing agencies. Even if it's not your ideal work, getting some employment before your benefits run out could help you qualify for partial unemployment (as mentioned above) and might eventually lead to full-time opportunities. I found work through a temp agency that turned into a permanent position after 3 months. One more thing - document everything about your job search. Keep records of applications, interviews, etc. If any emergency extension programs do become available, they often require proof of active job searching. Hang in there, and start building that safety net of other resources before you actually need them.

I'm dealing with a similar situation and wanted to add something that might help. I discovered that some counties in NY have "emergency assistance" programs specifically for people who are about to exhaust unemployment benefits. These aren't widely advertised but they exist. I'd suggest calling your county's Department of Social Services directly and asking if they have any emergency rental assistance or utility assistance programs for people whose unemployment is ending. Also, if you have any skills that could translate to freelance work (writing, design, tutoring, etc.), consider starting to build that up now while you still have some benefits coming in. Even small amounts of freelance income can help bridge the gap and might make you feel less helpless about the situation. The job market is brutal right now, but you're not alone in this struggle. Start preparing for September now by applying for everything you qualify for - SNAP, rental assistance, utility assistance, food banks, etc. Having those safety nets in place before you need them will give you more time to focus on job searching without the immediate panic of bills piling up.

make sure u print EVERYTHING and keep copies. they love to say they never got docs even when u upload them online

Hey! I went through this exact same thing a few months ago. First thing - don't panic! You definitely have options. Like others said, you have 30 days to appeal from the denial date, so check that date ASAP. Before you appeal though, try to figure out exactly WHY they denied you. Log into your account and look for the determination letter - it should spell out the specific reason. Sometimes it's something simple like missing wage info that you can easily fix. Pro tip: if you can't get through on the phone (and let's be real, who can?), try calling right at 8am when they open or use one of those callback services people mentioned. Also keep certifying weekly even during the appeal process! What industry were you working in? Sometimes there are specific rules that apply. Happy to help troubleshoot if you want to share more details about your situation 👍

I'm going through the same situation right now! Just switched from my regular bank to PayPal for unemployment deposits and it's been 2 days past my usual deposit time. Reading through these comments is really reassuring - sounds like the first payment after switching always takes longer. Has anyone noticed if PayPal sends notifications when the deposit hits, or do you just have to keep checking your balance?

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be switching - I went from Chase to PayPal about 6 months ago and had the same delay for the first payment (came Wednesday morning instead of my usual Monday). But now I actually prefer PayPal because I can instantly transfer to my bank account if needed, whereas with Chase I had to wait for business hours. The PayPal mobile app also makes it super easy to track when deposits hit. Don't panic if your first payment is late - it'll normalize after that!