Do I apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor if I'm unsure about eligibility?

Yes, you should definitely apply! If you were let go due to restructuring (which sounds like a layoff), you likely qualify for unemployment benefits. The NYS Department of Labor will determine your eligibility during the application process. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters during your base period, and it sounds like you meet that requirement. The worst case scenario is they deny your claim, but then you can appeal if you disagree. Don't let uncertainty stop you from applying.

Apply ASAP! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment. If you were fired vs laid off, the NYS Department of Labor will investigate during adjudication to determine if you're eligible. Since your employer said 'restructuring,' that sounds like a legitimate layoff reason.

Don't overthink it - just apply! I've been through this process twice and the NYS Department of Labor is pretty good at determining eligibility. Even if there are questions about your separation, they'll do an investigation during adjudication. Better to apply and find out than miss out on benefits you're entitled to. You can always start looking for work while your claim is being processed.

I had trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor phone lines when I had questions about my application. If you run into issues reaching them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was really helpful when I needed to check on my claim status and couldn't get through on my own.

ugh the unemployment system is such a nightmare... but yeah you should apply. just be prepared for it to take FOREVER and for them to ask you a million questions about why you were fired. they make it seem like everyone is trying to scam the system

Same boat here! I was let go last month and applied right away. Still waiting to hear back but at least I got the ball rolling. The application itself wasn't too bad, just took about 30 minutes online.