Can someone briefly explain the mechanics of how the unemployment benefits work with NYS Department of Labor?

Here's the breakdown: First, you file an initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website. They'll look at your work history from the last 18 months to calculate your weekly benefit amount - it's based on your highest earning quarter. You'll get approved for a certain number of weeks (usually 26). Then every week you have to file a weekly claim certifying you're still unemployed and looking for work. You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. The money gets deposited if you're eligible that week.

The job search thing is key - you need 3 activities per week. This can be applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, or even taking approved training courses. Keep detailed records because NYS Department of Labor can audit you. Also, you have to be able and available to work each week you claim. If you go on vacation or get sick, you might not be eligible for that week.

Usually takes 2-3 weeks for the first payment if everything goes smoothly. But if there are any issues with your claim, it can go into adjudication which means they need to review something. That can add weeks or even months. The key is filing correctly the first time and responding quickly to any requests for information.

Pro tip - if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone (which happens a lot), I found this service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals when I had questions about my claim status.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Your first week of unemployment doesn't get paid - it's like a deductible. So even if you file right away, your first payable week is actually week 2. Caught me off guard when I first filed.