File right away! My sister's company closed and she waited thinking she needed to figure everything out first. Big mistake - you can't get benefits for weeks you don't file even if you're eligible.

So sorry to hear about your company closure - that's really stressful! I just wanted to add that when you file your claim, make sure to keep copies of everything your employer gives you about the closure (any letters, emails, final paystubs, etc.). Even though the company won't be around to respond to requests, having this documentation can help speed up your claim processing. Also, if your company is offering any severance or paying out vacation time, that might affect when your benefits start, so be sure to report those payments accurately. You've got this - unemployment benefits exist exactly for situations like yours!

THE SYSTEM IS SO UNFAIR!! I got denied for missing work when I had COVID symptoms and my employer told me not to come in but then fired me anyway. NYS Department of Labor sided with the employer of course. These adjudicators don't care about workers at all.

I work for a local advocacy organization and we see cases like this regularly. The key thing to understand is that NYS DOL distinguishes between "misconduct" and circumstances beyond your control. Missing work due to mental health crises, family emergencies, or other compelling personal circumstances may not be considered disqualifying misconduct if you can document the situation. When you file your claim, be completely honest about what happened and why. If you have any medical records, therapy notes, or other documentation showing you were dealing with legitimate personal issues during that time, gather those now. Even if you're initially denied, the appeals process gives you a real chance to present your case with proper documentation. Don't let fear of denial stop you from filing - you've paid into this system and deserve a fair review of your situation.

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!