If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was really helpful when I had questions about my claim status and couldn't get through on my own.

I went through this exact situation last year when my company did layoffs. Since you were terminated due to restructuring (not for cause), you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits. A few tips that helped me: 1) Apply online at labor.ny.gov TODAY - don't wait, 2) Have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup, 3) Keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one, and 4) Be prepared for the first payment to take 2-3 weeks. The weekly benefit amount is based on your previous earnings, typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum. Hang in there - the process can be stressful but the benefits will help cover your expenses while you look for new work.

Just to follow up - were you able to get your ID.me verification sorted out? I'm curious what solution worked for you since others might have the same issue.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been 4 days since I completed the ID.me verification and still no confirmation email or status update in my unemployment account. The whole process is so unclear - you'd think they'd have better communication about something this important. Thanks for posting this question because the responses here have been really helpful. I'm going to try checking the Claims Status section like someone mentioned, and if that doesn't show anything I might have to bite the bullet and use one of those callback services to actually get through to a human.

Just remember you have to actively look for work and keep a log of your job search activities. They can ask for proof at any time so don't slack on that requirement.

I went through this same situation last year when my marketing role was eliminated. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - make sure to request your separation letter from HR if you haven't already. NYS DOL sometimes asks for it to verify the reason for separation, and having it upfront can speed up the process. Also, when you file online, take screenshots of your confirmation pages - the system occasionally glitches and having proof you submitted can save headaches later. Good luck!

Congratulations on the new job! Just make sure you keep all your employment documentation in case NYS Department of Labor needs to verify anything later. It's always better to be over-prepared when dealing with unemployment claims.

Just want to add that you should also make sure to update your contact information with NYS Department of Labor if your employment status changes, especially if you get employer-provided health insurance. They sometimes need to verify benefit eligibility and having current info helps avoid any delays or complications. Also, if this new job doesn't work out for any reason, you'll want to have everything properly documented to potentially reopen your claim later.

ugh this system is so stressful!!! I'm dealing with something similar and I keep panicking that they're going to deny me. Two years at a job should count for something right?? Did they give you any severance or anything when they let you go?

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - fired for "performance issues" after 18 months at a marketing firm. NYS Department of Labor actually approved my claim after about 4 weeks. The key thing that helped me was keeping all my employment records and being able to show I never had any disciplinary actions or formal performance improvement plans. When they called for the phone interview, I just explained honestly that I struggled to meet certain metrics but was never given coaching or warnings. My former employer didn't even contest it. Don't give up hope - performance terminations are way more common than people think and most get approved eventually.