Sorry to hear about your layoff Ethan. Yes, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits since your position was eliminated due to downsizing - that's considered involuntary separation through no fault of your own. When you file your claim online at labor.ny.gov, you'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about your separation. The system will ask your employer to verify the reason for termination, but since they already told you it was downsizing and not for cause, you should be good to go. File as soon as possible since there's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Don't worry too much about proving it wasn't your fault - the burden is on the employer to show misconduct if they want to contest your claim.

Hey Ethan, really sorry to hear about your situation but you're definitely eligible for unemployment benefits since you were laid off due to downsizing. That's exactly what the system is designed for - involuntary job loss through no fault of your own. I went through something similar a few years back and the process was pretty straightforward once I got started. Make sure to file your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov as soon as possible since benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you lost your job. You'll need basic info like your SSN, employment dates, and your employer's details. Since your manager already confirmed it was downsizing and not performance-related, you shouldn't have any issues with approval. The hardest part is usually just waiting for that first payment to come through. Hang in there!

good luck with the system... it's a nightmare to navigate and they make you jump through hoops constantly. at least you qualify though, that's the main thing

I went through this process last year after a layoff. One thing I wish I had known earlier - make sure you file your weekly certification by the deadline (usually Sunday night) or you'll miss that week's payment entirely. Also, keep copies of everything you submit because the system sometimes glitches and loses information. The good news is that once you get into the routine, it becomes pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of the weekly requirements and document everything!

Another thing to keep in mind - if you worked part-time while collecting benefits before, make sure you report ALL your earnings when you reopen, even if it seems like small amounts. I made the mistake of not reporting some freelance work I did thinking it wouldn't matter, and it caused a huge headache later with overpayment issues. The NYS Department of Labor is really strict about this stuff. Also, if you have any saved correspondence from your previous claim (emails, letters, etc.), keep those handy in case they ask for documentation during the reopening process.

If you're having trouble finding the reopening option, try looking under "Manage My Claim" or "My Benefits" section after logging in. Sometimes it's labeled as "Reactivate Claim" instead of "Reopen." Also, make sure you're using the full my.ny.gov site and not the mobile version - I've found the mobile site sometimes hides certain options. If you still can't find it, you might need to call their customer service line early in the morning (around 8 AM) when hold times are shorter. Keep your Social Security number and PIN ready when you call.

One thing that might help put your mind at ease is that NYS Department of Labor has pretty clear guidelines about what constitutes "fault" versus "no fault." Since you mentioned you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's actually one of the most clear-cut examples of "no fault of your own" - the company made a business decision that had nothing to do with your performance or behavior. The department looks at whether the separation was due to misconduct, voluntary quit without good cause, or refusal of suitable work. None of those apply to your situation. Budget-related layoffs are routine approvals as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements like work history and wage requirements.

For budget-related layoffs like yours, the adjudication process is usually pretty quick - typically 1-2 weeks if there are no complications. Since you have clear documentation (the layoff letter) and it's obviously a business decision rather than performance-related, NYS Department of Labor can verify the separation reason easily with your employer. The main thing that slows down adjudication is when there are disputes about the reason for separation or missing documentation. Keep in mind that even after adjudication is complete, there might be a brief waiting period before payments start, but the "no fault" determination should be straightforward in your case.

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.