Just want to add that you should also request a copy of your employment verification letter from HR before they fully shut down operations. Sometimes companies get sloppy with record keeping during closures and having that extra documentation can save you headaches later. Also, if you're part of a union, reach out to your rep - they might have additional resources or know if there's any special process for mass layoffs due to closure.

Been through this exact scenario! One thing that helped me was getting a statement from my disability insurance company showing my active claim dates - NY DOL liked having that official documentation to show I wasn't available for work during that period. Also make sure your doctor fills out the disability end date properly because that becomes your "available for work" date for unemployment purposes. The timing actually worked out better than I expected since being on approved leave when they closed meant no issues with "voluntary vs involuntary" separation.

make sure youre filing your quarterly reports on time too or they hit you with penalties. learned that the hard way last year

As someone who just started a small business in NY, this is really helpful information! I'm wondering about the quarterly reporting process - when exactly are those due dates throughout the year? And is there a minimum number of employees you need before you have to start paying into the unemployment insurance system? I want to make sure I'm compliant from day one.

cant u sue them or something? this is literally their fault if the breach was on their end

I feel your pain! Going through the same thing right now - been 6 weeks for me and they keep saying "it's under review" with no timeline. The worst part is you can't even get regular benefits while they're investigating, so we're just stuck waiting with no income. Have you tried reaching out to your local assembly member's office? I heard they sometimes have connections that can push these cases along faster. Also make sure you have all your documentation ready (police report, ID verification, etc) because once they finally get to your case they'll want everything at once. Hang in there! 💪

Don't forget about the administrative assessment fee and other smaller fees that get tacked on! It's not just the basic UI rate. I was surprised my first year when the total was higher than what I calculated just using the 4.1% rate.

Just went through this process last year when I started my consulting firm. One thing that really helped was calling the NYS Department of Labor directly - their employer services team walked me through the rate calculation and explained how the experience rating system works. They also sent me a packet with all the current rates and fee schedules. The phone wait was long but definitely worth it for getting clarity on exactly what I'd owe each quarter.

The NYS Department of Labor system is so broken. I know people who clearly don't qualify getting benefits while others who lost their jobs through layoffs get denied for random technicalities. The whole eligibility process seems arbitrary sometimes.

Based on what you've shared, you should definitely qualify for NYS Department of Labor unemployment compensation. With $18,000 in earnings from two jobs and being laid off (not fired for misconduct), you meet the basic requirements. The key things to remember: file your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period, keep detailed records of your job search activities, and don't get discouraged if the online system seems confusing - it's notoriously user-unfriendly. You can also visit a local career center if you need help with the application process. Good luck!