update us if u fix it! i bet its the address thing

UPDATE: I got it fixed!!! It WAS the address mismatch between my license and unemployment account. I contacted ID.me support directly like @HelpfulCareerPro suggested and they told me exactly what was wrong. Had to upload additional proof of address (utility bill) but finally got verified! Already completed my recertification for this week. Thank you everyone for your help!!!

I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about a similar situation. If you need to speak with someone directly about your specific circumstances, I found claimyr.com really helpful. They have a service that connects you with actual agents and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Sometimes these situations have nuances that only an agent can clarify.

The whole system is frustrating when you're in a bind like this. Have you considered talking to your employer about whether they could treat this as a temporary layoff instead of FMLA? Some companies are flexible if they understand your financial situation.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you apply as soon as possible after your job ends! There's a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits, so the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also, your benefit amount is based on wages from your "base period" which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Since you worked full-time for 2 years at $52k, you should have a solid earnings history. I'd estimate you'll probably get somewhere in the $380-420 range per week based on what others have shared about similar salary levels.

One more thing to keep in mind - if you're denied benefits initially, don't give up! You have the right to appeal the decision. I had a friend who got denied at first because there was some confusion about why she left her job, but she appealed with additional documentation and got approved. The appeals process can take a while though, so definitely try to get everything right the first time. Also, make sure you keep attending any required reemployment workshops - skipping those can affect your benefits too. Good luck with your claim!

yeah file asap dude, no point in waiting around

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my position was eliminated due to company restructuring. Like everyone else said, there's no official deadline but you definitely want to file ASAP. What really helped me was having all my documents ready - W2s, pay stubs, and the exact dates of employment. The online system at labor.ny.gov is pretty straightforward but make sure you have your SSN and employer info handy. Also heads up - your first payment might take 2-3 weeks to come through even after you file, so don't panic if it's not immediate. You got this!

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about your claim timing, I used this 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. Was way easier than sitting on hold for hours just to ask about filing deadlines and claim status.

Just file online at my.ny.gov ASAP. Don't overthink it. You need your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer's info. The whole process takes maybe 20-30 minutes and then you'll start getting weekly claim forms. The longer you wait the more money you're throwing away.