The NYS Department of Labor wage determination process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. They're calculating your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter in the base period. If you had any issues with unreported wages or worked for employers who went out of business, that can delay things. But in most cases it's just verification.

I went through wage determination about 6 months ago and it took exactly 2 weeks for me. What helped was that I kept all my pay stubs and had my employment dates ready when I first filed. The NYS Department of Labor will also look at any severance pay you received - that might affect your benefit start date but won't reduce your weekly amount. Just be patient, Omar, since you worked for the same company for 3 years your wage history should be pretty straightforward to verify.

I work in HR and deal with this stuff all the time. Your claim number is definitely in the initial filing confirmation - it's required by law that they provide it. If you truly can't find any documentation, NYS Department of Labor can verify your identity over the phone using your SSN, full name, and address to look up your claim. The key is actually getting through to speak with someone, which I know is the main challenge right now.

Have you tried checking your text messages? When I filed my claim, NYS Department of Labor sent me a confirmation text with my claim number right after I submitted the application. It might be buried in your message history if you haven't deleted it. Also, if you have a case worker assigned to your claim, sometimes their contact info includes your claim number in their email signature or voicemail messages.

same boat here, thanks for asking this question! Really helpful thread.

Just to add some clarity - I went through this exact situation last year. The NYS Department of Labor website has a specific section called "Work Search Requirements" that breaks everything down. You need to document your job search activities and be prepared to provide proof if requested. This includes the employer name, position applied for, date of contact, and method of contact. I kept a simple spreadsheet that saved me when I got randomly selected for a review. Also, don't forget that you can count things like updating your resume, attending virtual job fairs, or even informational interviews as valid job search activities. The key is being genuine about your efforts and keeping good records.

The unemployment system is so confusing! I thought I understood it but then my claim went into adjudication and I realized I had no clue what half these terms meant. At least now I know I can work part-time and still get benefits.

Just want to add that the "able and available" requirement is really important - I learned this the hard way. Even if you're unemployed, if you have restrictions on when/where you can work (like only certain hours due to childcare), you need to report that accurately. NYS DOL considers your availability when determining eligibility. Also, the base period earnings requirement trips up a lot of people - you need sufficient wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). If you haven't worked much in the past year, you might not qualify even if you're currently unemployed.

Just want to add that if you have any issues with your application being denied or if they say you don't meet the requirements, you can appeal the decision. I had to appeal when they initially said I didn't have enough earnings but I won the appeal. The key is having all your pay stubs and documentation ready.

One more tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure to have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. You'll also need your employer's information including their address and the reason you're no longer working there. The system will ask for your last day worked and last day paid (these might be different if you got severance or vacation payout). Also, file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - there's no waiting period in NY to file, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim, even if you were eligible.