I just wanted to add another potential location to check - if you've ever used the "Print Friendly" option on any of the pages in your ny.gov account, those PDF files usually have your unemployment number in the header or footer. I discovered mine this way completely by accident when I was trying to save a copy of my payment history for my records. Also, if you've received any IRS forms related to your unemployment benefits (like a 1099-G), your unemployment number should be listed on those tax documents too. The NYS DOL system really needs a complete overhaul to make this basic information easier to find - it shouldn't require a treasure hunt just to locate your own claim number!

I just went through this same struggle a couple weeks ago! One more place to check that I haven't seen mentioned - if you've ever downloaded the NYS DOL mobile app and logged in, sometimes your unemployment number appears right on the home screen of the app even when it's hard to find on the website. Also, if you have any voicemails from the unemployment office (even automated ones), they often state your claim number at the beginning of the message. I ended up finding mine in an old voicemail I almost deleted! The whole experience really highlighted how poorly designed their information system is - such basic details about your own claim shouldn't be this hard to locate. But don't give up, it's definitely somewhere in your records!

Just to add - make sure you file as soon as you become unemployed. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your initial claim, so don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly. The 26 week clock doesn't start until you actually file with NYS Department of Labor.

One important thing to keep in mind is that your 8 years with the same company definitely works in your favor - you'll likely qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount since that's based on your earnings history. Also, don't forget that you need to actively search for work and document your job search activities each week to continue receiving benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires at least 3 work search activities per week. Start organizing your job search strategy now so you're ready to hit the ground running when you file your claim.

Final update for anyone who finds this post later: My claim was approved! It took 5 days, not the 2-3 the agent initially said, but that's still way better than waiting for weeks. I got the determination letter today and my first payment should be processed next week. The key really was talking to an actual person who could understand my specific situation. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Congratulations on getting approved! This thread is super helpful for anyone dealing with the furlough-to-termination situation. I'm bookmarking this for future reference. It's crazy how the system can be so inconsistent - some people wait weeks while others get approved in days. Really shows the importance of getting the right agent who understands these edge cases. Thanks for sharing your updates throughout the process!

same here just applying to anything to check the boxes

I've been dealing with NYS unemployment for about 6 months now and learned the hard way about documentation. Here's what I found works: Online applications absolutely count - just save screenshots or confirmation emails. For job sites like Indeed, make sure you note the specific employer name, not just "applied through Indeed." Also, informational interviews count as networking activities, and so does attending career workshops or webinars. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, employer/contact, position, method of contact, and any follow-up. The key is being able to show genuine effort - they care more about quality searches in your field than just hitting random apply buttons.

I totally understand your anxiety about this - I went through the exact same worry when I was job hunting after being on unemployment for 3 months following a company restructure. I can confirm what everyone else is saying - unemployment benefits absolutely do not show up on standard background checks. I ended up getting hired at a mid-size marketing agency and their background check was pretty thorough (they even verified my college degree), but there was zero mention of unemployment benefits. The only employment-related things they could verify were the actual job dates and titles I listed on my application. The NYS Department of Labor benefit information is completely protected under privacy laws. Just focus on preparing for those interviews and be ready to briefly explain the employment gap if asked - most employers are totally understanding about layoffs, especially in today's job market. You've got this!

I can add another data point to help ease your worries! I was on NYS unemployment for about 7 months after getting laid off from a tech company, and I just completed the hiring process at a new job that required a pretty extensive background check (they even looked into my social media presence). Unemployment benefits never came up at all. The background check company only had access to verify the employment history I provided on my application - they confirmed my previous job titles, dates, and whether I was eligible for rehire, but there was absolutely no record of me receiving unemployment benefits during the gap. The key thing to remember is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance that you and your employer paid into. There's nothing shameful about using it when you need it, and it's completely separate from employment verification systems. Best of luck with your interviews - you should feel confident that this won't be an issue!