Can someone explain unemployment benefits process in NY - completely lost on how this works

Don't worry, it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand the basics! Unemployment insurance (UI) is a program that provides temporary financial assistance while you're looking for work. Here's the basic process: 1) You file an initial claim with NYS Department of Labor online, 2) They review your work history to see if you qualify, 3) If approved, you file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work, 4) You receive payments (usually takes 2-3 weeks for first payment). The weekly claims are crucial - you have to do them every single week to keep getting benefits.

Yes, weekly claims are basically a short questionnaire you fill out online every week. You'll answer questions like 'Did you work this week?' 'Are you able and available for work?' 'Did you look for work?' If you miss filing a weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week. You can sometimes file late claims but it's better to just set a reminder and do it the same day every week. Most people do it on Sundays.

One thing that confused me at first - there's usually a waiting period before you get your first payment. Even if everything goes smoothly, expect it to take 2-3 weeks minimum. And if there are any issues with your claim (like if they need to verify your employment or reason for separation), it could take much longer. They call this 'adjudication' when they're reviewing something.

Budget cuts/layoffs are usually straightforward since it's not your fault. Issues typically arise when: someone quit voluntarily, was fired for misconduct, has questions about their work history, or worked in multiple states. Since you were laid off, you should be fine. Just make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible - there's no benefit to waiting.

Also heads up - you'll need to actively look for work and keep records of your job search. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week. They don't always ask for proof but they can audit you, so keep a log of where you applied, when, and what happened.

I know it feels overwhelming but honestly the job search requirement isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. It can be applications, contacting employers directly, networking events, even some online job search activities count. The point is showing you're making a genuine effort to find work.

Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone (and you probably will), there's a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an actual agent. I used them when my claim got stuck and couldn't get through myself. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration.