THE SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN THO!! I got laid off and it took WEEKS to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation. Make sure you have EVERYTHING ready - pay stubs, employment verification, the works. Don't trust that it'll be quick just because you were laid off legitimately.

Just to add to what others have said - you'll also want to keep track of any job search activities once you start receiving benefits. NYS requires you to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep records of them. You can do this through their job search log on the Department of Labor website. Also, if your employer offers any kind of severance package, make sure you understand how that might affect the timing of your benefits - sometimes there's a delay if you receive severance pay that covers a certain period.

wait but what if you're like a freelancer who works for multiple companies? does that change anything with the unemployment insurance requirements??

Just wanted to add that even though you don't need unemployment insurance as a sole proprietor, it's still worth staying informed about NYS Department of Labor changes. I've been solo for 5 years and the rules around worker classification seem to get stricter each year. Make sure you keep good records of your client relationships and contracts to prove independent contractor status if it ever comes up. Also consider talking to a local SCORE mentor or small business attorney - they often know the latest updates better than general accountants.

same thing happened to me but with attendance instead of performance, still got approved after like a month

Just want to add that you should also start documenting everything now - save any emails, texts, or paperwork from your employer about the termination. If they contest your claim during adjudication, having written evidence of their stated reasons can really help your case. Also, make sure you're actively job searching and keeping records of your applications, as that's required to maintain eligibility. The online filing system walks you through everything step by step, so don't stress too much about making mistakes - you can always clarify details later if needed.

Better to over-report than under-report. If you're not sure whether something counts as remuneration, include it. NYS Department of Labor will adjust your benefits accordingly but won't penalize you for being thorough. It's when you don't report income that you can get into trouble.

I went through this exact same situation last month! The NYS Department of Labor considers any payment for work or services as remuneration, so your $200 freelance payment definitely needs to be reported. Same with the severance check - that's actually one of the most common things people forget to report. When I was unsure about what to include, I called and they told me it's always better to report something you're not sure about than to leave it off. They can always adjust your benefit amount, but not reporting income can cause way bigger problems down the line. Just be honest and thorough on your weekly certification!

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially when you factor in the waiting week.

Just wanted to add that after 8 years at your job, you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks since you'll have plenty of qualifying wages in your base period. Make sure to file your claim as soon as possible - there's usually a one-week waiting period before you start receiving benefits, and any delay in filing just pushes back when you'll start getting paid. Also document everything for your job search from day one, even informal networking - it all counts toward those 3 weekly work search activities they require.