If you run into issues getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor (their phone lines are always swamped), I had good luck using a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They helped me get connected to an actual agent when I couldn't get through on my own. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I had questions about my claim status that I couldn't figure out online.

Don't forget you'll need to file weekly claims every week once you're approved, even if you haven't found work yet. And they require you to do job searches now - I think it's 3 contacts per week but double check that when you file.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation. make sure you answer every single message they send you or your claim will just sit there forever

The key is being super responsive to any requests from NYS Department of Labor and making sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. Even if your initial claim is still pending, you need to keep filing weekly or you'll lose benefits for those weeks. Also double-check that all your employer information is exactly correct when you file - any discrepancies can trigger adjudication which adds weeks to the process.

Here's what I learned after dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months - you need to meet the basic eligibility first: worked enough hours in your base period, lost work through no fault of your own, able and available for work, and actively job searching. The 'when' really depends on WHY you're unemployed. Layoffs = immediate eligibility. Firing for performance = usually eligible after adjudication. Quitting = very limited eligibility unless you can prove good cause. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific situation, I had success using claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.

just wanted to add my experience - i was able to file immediately when i got laid off but it still took forever for my first payment because of some stupid adjudication thing. the whole process is such a nightmare honestly

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify your specific situation, I had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach an agent. They have this system that calls the unemployment office for you and connects you when someone picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed to discuss my partial disability situation with an actual person who could look at my account.

Just wanted to add that you should keep detailed records of all your medical documentation and work search activities. If there's ever a question about your eligibility later, having everything documented will help your case. Also make sure your work search log reflects jobs you could actually perform - don't just apply to anything.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my payment schedule. If you run into issues getting through to them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and dropped calls.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too! You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log or they can cut off your benefits. The NYS Department of Labor website has details about what counts as a valid job contact.