I remember being so stressed about this same thing! The word 'separation' made it sound like something bad was happening with my claim. But it's totally normal - every unemployment claim has to go through separation determination. As long as you were truly laid off and didn't quit voluntarily, you should be fine once they complete their review.

I went through this exact same thing when I got laid off from my retail job last month! The separation review is just their standard process to make sure you qualify for benefits. Since you mentioned you were laid off due to slow business, that's considered "lack of work" which definitely qualifies you for unemployment. The "under review" status just means they're verifying the details with your former employer. In my case, it took about a week and a half before the status changed to approved. Try not to stress about it - as long as you were honest about being laid off and didn't quit or get terminated for misconduct, you should be good to go once they finish the review process.

Just FYI they review your social media. My cousin got denied because they found pics of him on vacation during weeks he claimed to be "ready and available to work" 👀

I went through this exact same situation when my retail job ended due to store closure last year. Here's what I wish someone had told me: 1) Apply TODAY online at labor.ny.gov - don't wait for your final paycheck or anything else. The waiting just costs you money. 2) You'll need your SSN, driver's license, employer info (name, address, phone), and bank details for direct deposit. Have your last few paystubs handy too. 3) Report your severance honestly when they ask. It might delay when benefits start but won't disqualify you completely. Lying about it will cause way bigger problems later. 4) The system will likely show "pending" for weeks. This is unfortunately normal but super stressful when you have bills to pay. 5) Start certifying weekly immediately after applying, even while your claim is pending. You can't get back payments for weeks you don't certify. 6) Save screenshots of EVERYTHING you submit. The system "loses" information constantly and you'll need proof of what you filed. The whole process is honestly a nightmare but you will get through it. Start looking into local food banks and ask family/friends for help if needed while you wait for benefits. Don't be too proud to ask - that's what support systems are for. You've got this! 💪

Just to add some clarity - the NYS Department of Labor also has a minimum work requirement of at least 2 calendar quarters during your base period. So even if you meet the earnings thresholds that others mentioned, you need to have actually worked in at least 2 different quarters. Since you mentioned working part-time last year plus your current 6 weeks, you might already meet this if your previous job spanned multiple quarters. The good news is that once you qualify, your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest quarter earnings, so every week you work now is potentially increasing that amount!

I was in a similar situation when I first started working! One thing that really helped me understand my eligibility was actually calling the NYS Department of Labor directly, even though the wait times can be brutal. But here's a pro tip - if you do need to call them, try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hours when it's sometimes less busy. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number and any previous employer information ready. The representatives are actually pretty helpful once you get through, and they can look up your specific wage history and tell you exactly where you stand with the earnings requirements. It's worth the wait to get definitive answers about your situation!

I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact same nerve-wracking experience about 6 months ago! The waiting for that first payment is absolutely brutal, especially when you're already financially stressed. I remember checking my bank account like 10 times a day and panicking that something was wrong with my claim. My first payment took exactly 9 business days after certifying, and like others mentioned, both weeks came through at once. What really helped me was understanding that NY's system treats the first payment differently - they run additional fraud prevention checks and verifications that don't happen with subsequent payments. Once that first one hits though, every payment after comes like clockwork in 2-3 days. For anyone currently waiting - hang in there! The "processed" status really does mean your money is coming, it's just their backend systems being extra cautious. I know it doesn't help with immediate bills, but the payments do come through and they'll backpay everything you're owed.

I'm currently in this exact situation too and finding this thread has been such a relief! Just finished my second week of certifying on Sunday and I'm on day 3 of waiting with a "processed" status but no payment yet. I was starting to get really anxious because like everyone else mentioned, the DOL website makes it sound like payments should arrive in 2-3 days max. Reading all these experiences showing 7-10 business days is actually normal for the first payment has really calmed my nerves. It's especially tough when you're already financially tight and this money is what you're counting on to keep things afloat. The waiting game is brutal but I'm feeling more confident now that the payment will come through soon. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines - this community support makes such a difference when you're going through this stressful process!

The whole appeals process is just another way for them to delay paying out benefits. I went through it twice and lost both times even though I had evidence. NYS Department of Labor hearing officers seem to side with employers most of the time.

I work as a paralegal and have helped several people with unemployment appeals in NY. The success rate really varies by case type, but I'd estimate around 35-40% get overturned or modified. For misconduct cases specifically, you'll want to focus on proving that your actions didn't rise to the level of willful misconduct that would disqualify you from benefits. Those emails you mentioned showing targeting could be really valuable evidence. The appeals process usually takes 4-8 weeks, and you can represent yourself or bring someone to help. Even if the odds aren't perfect, if you believe you have a valid case it's definitely worth pursuing - the worst that happens is you're in the same position you're in now.