How long after a layoff can I file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?

You should file your initial claim as soon as possible after your separation from employment, ideally within the first week. There's no benefit to waiting - the NYS Department of Labor uses the date you file as your claim start date, not your last day of work. Even if your employer calls you back, you can always cancel your claim or report when you return to work.

File online at labor.ny.gov if you can. Way faster than calling and you can do it 24/7. You'll need your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank info if you want direct deposit. Make sure you have all your dates of employment correct because they'll verify everything with your employers.

I waited three weeks after my layoff thinking I had to and it was a huge mistake! Those three weeks I could have been collecting benefits were just lost. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't backdate claims to your separation date - only to when you actually file. File immediately, seriously.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when I needed to check on my claim status and couldn't get through the regular way.

Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still processing. A lot of people miss that step and then have issues getting their back payments. The system is pretty clear about it but people still mess it up somehow.