How do I get unemployment money from NYS Department of Labor?

You can file your initial claim online at my.ny.gov - don't need to go anywhere in person unless there's a problem with your claim. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates you worked. After filing, you have to file weekly claims every week to get paid.

The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. File your initial application on my.ny.gov, then you'll get a determination letter in about 2-3 weeks telling you if you're approved and how much you'll get per week. Your first payment usually comes about a week after that if everything goes smoothly. Make sure you file your weekly claims every Sunday - if you miss a week you won't get paid for that week.

Wait what's adjudication?? I just filed last week and now I'm worried something's gonna go wrong. Why would it take 6 weeks?

I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck. Spent hours on hold every day for weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Honestly saved my sanity.

also dont forget you have to do the job search thing now, like 3 activities per week or they'll cut you off