You need to do 3 job searches per week and log them in the NYS Department of Labor system when you file your weekly claim. If you can't get through to check your claim status, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Took me 5 weeks to get my first payment because they had to verify my employment history. The NYS Department of Labor moves at their own pace unfortunately. Hope yours goes faster!

I was in a similar situation last year when my restaurant cut everyone's hours. Took me forever to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about my claim. The phone lines are always busy and the website isn't always clear about partial benefits. I ended up using 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. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call myself.

Don't forget you also need to be a U.S. citizen or have work authorization, and be physically able to work. If you meet all the requirements, definitely apply - the worst they can say is no, and if you qualify the benefits can really help when your income gets cut.

just apply anyway, worst they can say is no and then you know for sure instead of wondering about it

To answer your original question more specifically - you'll need to file online through the NYS Department of Labor website. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your most recent pay stub. If you worked in other states, you might need to file in the state where you earned the most wages during your base period.

Appeals are definitely worth filing if you think the denial was wrong! You have 30 days from the determination date. I won my appeal last year after they initially said I quit voluntarily, but I had documentation showing I was laid off due to lack of work.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. Even if you qualify initially, they can stop your benefits if you don't do the required job contacts each week or skip appointments at the career center. I know someone who lost benefits because they missed one appointment.

I had a nightmare time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status. Spent hours trying to call and either got busy signals or hung up on. Someone here recommended this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually get through to unemployment agents on the phone. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to resolve an issue with my weekly claims.

One thing - make sure you understand the job search requirements once you start getting benefits. You'll need to keep a log of your job search activities and apply for jobs each week. The requirements are different now than they were during COVID so don't assume anything.