Yes, definitely file for unemployment! This exact scenario happened to my sister in 2023. When you give notice but they walk you out immediately, NYS DOL considers it a constructive dismissal since you were ready and willing to work your notice period. The employer made the choice to terminate you early. Document everything - your resignation letter with the intended end date, any communication about them letting you go immediately. And absolutely mention your upcoming job start date when you file - being honest about your situation actually helps establish that you genuinely intended to work those two weeks. The gap coverage is exactly what unemployment is designed for in cases like this.

This is actually great advice from everyone! I went through something similar about 8 months ago - gave 3 weeks notice but they walked me out after just 2 days. NYS DOL was actually pretty understanding once I explained the situation clearly. The key thing I learned is to frame it as "I was ready and available to work my full notice period, but my employer chose to terminate my employment early." Make sure you have your resignation email/letter saved that shows your intended last day. Also, when you file online, there's a section where you can explain the circumstances - use that space to be very clear about the timeline. Good luck with the new job!

I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! The "open" status had me confused too because I wasn't sure if it meant they were still reviewing my claim or if I was approved. But like others have said, "open" is actually the status you want - it means your claim is active and approved. The 2-3 week wait for first payment is standard, even though it feels like forever when you're stressed about bills. I got my first payment on day 16 after filing. Just keep doing your weekly certifications religiously and you should see that first deposit soon. Hang in there!

I can definitely relate to this anxiety - I went through the same thing earlier this year! "Open" status is exactly what you want to see, it means your claim has been processed and approved. The 2 week wait you're experiencing is totally normal, though I know it doesn't make the stress any easier. My first payment came through at the 18-day mark. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through the NY.gov website so I'd get notified as soon as there was any update. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're keeping track of your work search activities in writing - even though payments are delayed, the requirements still apply from day one. You're doing everything right by keeping up with the weekly certifications!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Lost my wallet in a recent move and they're asking for all these documents I don't have. Reading through these comments is giving me hope though - sounds like they'll accept way more alternatives than they make it seem. I found my old work badge that has my photo and I think I can get my landlord to email me something official with my address. For SSN I'm going to try requesting my tax transcript from the IRS website like someone mentioned. The key seems to be uploading SOMETHING and then calling to explain (even if you have to use one of those callback services people keep mentioning). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is more helpful than anything on the official DOL website!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! Just got the verification email yesterday and panicking because I also lost my wallet recently. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea they would accept things like expired passports or work IDs with photos. I think I can piece together what I need: I have an old student ID with my photo, my lease agreement for address proof, and I'm going to try downloading that IRS tax transcript someone mentioned for my SSN. It's reassuring to know so many people have gotten through this with creative document combinations. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community is a lifesaver when the official system feels impossible to navigate!

I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and their payment timing is so inconsistent! Sometimes I get paid the day after the pay date, sometimes it takes three days. The whole system is a mess honestly.

I'm also new to unemployment and was wondering the same thing! From what I've experienced so far, the benefit pay date is definitely when they process it on their end, not when you actually get it. I've noticed that if the pay date falls on a weekend, it usually gets pushed to the next business day. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank so I know right away when the deposit hits. Also make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account - I had a friend who had delays because there was a typo in their routing number.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! Companies will say ANYTHING to avoid paying claims even though they've been paying unemployment taxes for years. It's not like the money comes directly out of their pocket at that point - it's already been paid to the state. But they still fight every single claim because it affects their experience rating and future tax rates.

I went through something similar last year. The key thing to understand is that your employer's obligation to pay unemployment taxes is completely separate from whether your specific claim gets approved. If they've been in business and meet the basic requirements (which sounds like they do), they've been paying quarterly unemployment taxes all along - that money is already in the system. What they're probably disputing is the reason for your separation, not their tax obligations. Document everything about your layoff and be patient with the adjudication process. NYS Department of Labor will investigate both sides and make a determination based on the facts.