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.

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!

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.

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.

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!