I had this exact same problem when I first applied! The NYS DOL system really doesn't make it obvious where to find your claim number. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the automated line at 1-888-209-8124 and was able to get my claim number without having to wait on hold for a live agent. You just need your SSN and some basic info from your application. If that doesn't work for some reason, try logging into my.ny.gov and look under "View Benefit Payment History" - even if you haven't received any payments yet, your claim number should be displayed at the top of that page. And don't stress too much about the weekly filing - you can absolutely file using just your SSN and PIN if you still can't locate the claim number. The system will find your claim automatically. Hope this helps!

I'm dealing with this same issue right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been searching everywhere for my claim number and getting really frustrated with the NYS DOL system. Based on everyone's suggestions here, I'm going to try the automated phone line at 1-888-209-8124 first since that seems like the quickest solution. If that doesn't work, I'll check the "View Benefit Payment History" section that several people mentioned. It's such a relief to know I can still file my weekly claim using just my SSN and PIN as a backup option. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's crazy that we need an entire community discussion just to figure out how to find basic information in the system, but I'm so glad this resource exists!

I filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and just got my first payment yesterday, so hang in there! The waiting is definitely stressful especially when you're behind on bills. Make sure you're doing your weekly certifications religiously - that was the biggest thing that helped me get everything backdated once it was approved. Also check your online account daily for any messages or requests for additional info, because responding quickly to those can prevent delays. Since you mentioned it was a straightforward layoff, you should hopefully avoid the adjudication process that can really drag things out.

I just went through this process a few months ago and it took exactly 19 days from filing to getting my first direct deposit. Since you mentioned it was a straightforward layoff, that should work in your favor - those typically process faster than cases involving termination disputes. The most important thing is to keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting. I made that mistake initially and almost lost two weeks of benefits. Also, don't panic if you don't hear anything for the first couple weeks - that's completely normal. Check your online account regularly for any messages from NYS Department of Labor requesting additional documentation, because responding quickly to those can prevent major delays.

I was in a very similar situation about a year ago with a shoulder injury from my manufacturing job. Got my workers comp settlement and was cleared to work with lifting restrictions, but my employer couldn't accommodate them. Filed for unemployment right after getting medical clearance and had no issues with NYS Department of Labor regarding the settlement money. The settlement is NOT considered wages or income for UI purposes - it's compensation for your injury, not earnings from work. What really helped me was being completely upfront during my initial claim interview about the workers comp case, the restrictions, and why my previous employer couldn't take me back. The agent actually said it strengthened my case because it clearly showed I was unemployed through no fault of my own and was genuinely able to work within my limitations. Keep detailed records of every job application and note when employers can't accommodate your restrictions - this documentation is gold if they ever question your job search efforts. The process took about 3 weeks for approval in my case. Don't stress about the settlement affecting your eligibility, just focus on documenting that active job search!

I'm going through something very similar right now - just got my workers comp settlement last week for a back injury from my warehouse job. Reading through these responses is really helpful because I was also worried about the settlement money affecting my unemployment eligibility. It sounds like the key is being completely honest with NYS Department of Labor about everything - the injury, the settlement, the work restrictions, and why your previous employer can't take you back. I'm waiting for my final medical clearance appointment next week, and then I plan to file my UI claim immediately. The advice about keeping detailed records of job applications makes total sense - I'm definitely going to start a spreadsheet like some of you mentioned. It's frustrating that so many employers won't even consider you once you mention lifting restrictions, but it's good to know that actually helps your case with unemployment rather than hurting it. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been so helpful! Had to quit my job at a bank in late February when my childcare provider suddenly had a family emergency and couldn't watch my kids anymore. The timing was terrible because it happened right before spring break when all the backup options were already booked or unavailable. I've been waiting about 10 days since submitting my questionnaire and the anxiety is killing me. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - it sounds like having really detailed documentation is absolutely crucial. I kept everything I could think of: texts from my original childcare provider explaining the emergency, emails from 15+ other providers showing they were full or wanted $600+ per week, my conversation with my manager about flexible scheduling (they said no because of customer-facing requirements), and even my posts in neighborhood apps desperately looking for help. What's giving me the most hope is seeing how many people in similar situations have eventually gotten approved, even if it took appeals. The financial stress while waiting is so real though - especially when you're trying to secure new childcare arrangements AND look for a new job at the same time. Really crossing my fingers that these 2025 processing improvements everyone mentions are actually happening because this waiting period is brutal when savings are running low! Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it helps so much to know we're not alone in this impossible situation. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us!

I'm going through this EXACT same situation right now and honestly this thread is the first thing that's made me feel less alone and panicked about it! Had to quit my job as a restaurant manager in early March when my daycare suddenly shut down due to staffing issues (apparently half their staff quit at once). I've been waiting 2 weeks since submitting my questionnaire and I'm basically living on credit cards at this point which is terrifying. But reading everyone's stories here is giving me so much hope - especially hearing from people like @Natasha Ivanova and @Andre Dupont about the importance of specific language and documentation. I saved everything: the daycare's closure email, screenshots from 12 different centers showing waitlists or prices of $500-750/week (which would've been almost my entire paycheck!), my texts with my district manager about bringing my toddler to work (obviously they said absolutely not), and even my frantic posts in local parent Facebook groups. The restaurant industry makes it even harder because there's literally no way to do the job remotely and the hours are so unpredictable. I'm really hoping all these mentions of 2025 improvements are real because this waiting period is absolutely brutal when you're already dealing with the stress of finding new childcare AND looking for work. Thank you to everyone sharing your experiences - this thread has been more helpful than any official government website! Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us dealing with this impossible situation.

Just wanted to add that if you do decide to visit in person, bring multiple forms of ID and any documentation related to your claim (termination letter, pay stubs, etc.). I went to my local office last month and they turned me away the first time because I only brought my driver's license. They needed two forms of ID plus all my employment paperwork. Also, get there early - I've heard they sometimes stop taking walk-ins if they get too busy, even during posted hours.

I went through a similar situation a few months ago with my claim stuck in review. One thing that really helped was keeping a detailed log of every phone call attempt, including time of day and what happened (busy signal, disconnected, etc.). When I finally got through to someone, having those dates and times showed them how long I'd been trying to reach them, and they seemed more willing to escalate my case. Also, if you do make it to the Syracuse office, ask specifically for a supervisor if the first person you talk to says they can't help with adjudication issues - sometimes the front desk staff have limited access but supervisors can do more. The waiting is brutal but don't give up!