The confusion comes from the fact that during emergencies the federal government can create additional programs that run alongside state programs. Like during the pandemic there were federal programs with different rules than regular state UI. But for normal times, it's your state agency - in our case NYS Department of Labor - that handles everything from filing to appeals to job search requirements.

This is a great explanation thread! Just to add - the federal-state partnership also means that when you're looking for information, you'll see references to both federal laws (like the CARES Act or Federal Unemployment Tax Act) AND New York State specific policies. The NYS Department of Labor website is definitely your main resource, but understanding that federal framework helps explain why some rules seem universal while others are NY-specific. For example, the requirement to actively search for work is federal, but how many job contacts you need per week is set by New York State.

whatever you do dont wait to file!! i made that mistake and lost like 3 weeks of benefits because i thought i had to wait or something. file online as soon as you can

I went through this exact situation last year! With your hours and wage ($18/hour at 35 hours), you're looking at roughly $315 per week based on the formula they use. The key thing is they look at your highest earning quarter during your base period. Since you worked there for 2 years, you should have plenty of work history to qualify. Just remember to file your claim right away - you can do it online at my.ny.gov. Also keep track of all your job search activities because you'll need to report them when you certify each week. The whole process can take a couple weeks to get your first payment, so don't panic if it's not immediate. Good luck with your job search!

Just went through this exact situation a few months ago! Everyone here is giving you the right info - severance does NOT count as wages for establishing your claim eligibility. You need actual work history from before your layoff. BUT definitely file your claim right now, don't wait for severance to end! I made the mistake of waiting and lost out on a couple weeks of benefits. When you file, just be honest about your severance - report the amounts and dates. They'll process your claim based on your work history, but might delay payments until after your severance period ends (which sounds like next week for you). The good news is once severance ends, your benefits should kick in automatically if you're approved. The whole process is confusing but just get your claim filed ASAP!

Just to add another data point - I'm currently going through this exact same situation right now! Got laid off in January with a 2-month severance that just ended last week. Filed my claim right when I got laid off (even though I was getting severance) and they approved me based on my work history from before the layoff. The severance didn't count toward my base period wages at all, but it did delay my first payment until after it ended. Got my first unemployment payment this week and it was calculated based on my actual salary from my job, not the severance amount. So definitely file now - don't wait! The earlier you file, the sooner you'll be in the system and ready to receive benefits once your severance ends next week.

Went through this last year. You need to file both a part-year NY return and a PA resident return. NY will tax the unemployment benefits you received while you were a NY resident, but not after you established residency in PA. Your best bet is talking directly to NY unemployment - I used claimyr.com to get past the phone tree hell and got answers in 15 minutes.

I'm in a similar situation - moved from NY to FL in 2023 but kept getting NY unemployment through early 2024. From what I've researched, it seems like you'll need to file as a part-year NY resident since you lived there for part of the tax year AND received the benefits. The unemployment income should be taxable to NY for the period you received it, regardless of where you moved to. PA should give you a credit to avoid double taxation. Honestly though, with all the conflicting info in this thread, I'd recommend just biting the bullet and talking to a tax pro or getting through to NY unemployment directly to get the definitive answer for your specific dates and situation.

I'm in a similar situation right now - had to quit my job to care for my grandmother with Alzheimer's. From what I've learned, the key is really in how you present your case to NYS Department of Labor. Don't just say you quit to be a caregiver - emphasize that it was an emergency situation where you had no other viable options. I'm still waiting to hear back on my claim, but my caseworker told me that having a clear timeline of events and showing you exhausted other resources first really helps. Also, if your employer has any documentation about why they couldn't accommodate flexible scheduling or leave, that can strengthen your case too.

I had a very similar experience when I had to quit my job to care for my disabled brother a couple years ago. NYS Department of Labor initially denied my claim, but I successfully appealed it. The most important thing is to gather ALL your documentation before you file - medical records, letters from doctors explaining the necessity of care, any correspondence with your employer about trying to get leave or accommodation, and proof that you looked into other care options like home health services or adult day programs. When you write your application, be very specific about why the caregiving was urgent and unavoidable - don't just say you chose to quit to help family. Frame it as "I was forced to leave my employment due to a family medical emergency that required immediate full-time care." The appeal process can take time, but it's worth it if you have the documentation to back up your case. Also, start applying for jobs now and keep detailed records of every application - you'll need to show you're actively seeking work regardless of whether your claim gets approved.