File immediately, don't wait! I learned this the hard way when I was terminated a few months ago. The NYS DOL system actually encourages you to file as soon as possible after job separation - there's even a notice on their website saying delays in filing can result in loss of benefits. Your employer contesting is actually pretty common and doesn't mean you won't get approved. During my adjudication process, they asked for my side of the story and I was able to provide documentation that supported my case. The key is getting your claim established with the earliest possible effective date. You can always supplement with additional documentation later through your online account if the adjudicator requests it.

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - file TODAY! I made the mistake of waiting 10 days after my termination because I thought I needed to "process" what happened first. Those 10 days were basically wasted benefit time that I can never get back. The NYS system is actually pretty straightforward once you start - you'll need your SSN, employment history for the past 18 months, and basic info about why you were terminated. Don't overthink the documentation part - the initial application is just to get you in the system. If they need more details during adjudication, they'll ask for it. Your employer threatening to contest is totally normal and honestly just shows they're trying to discourage you from filing. File now, worry about their contest later!

I work in HR and deal with this stuff all the time. Your claim number is definitely in the initial filing confirmation - it's required by law that they provide it. If you truly can't find any documentation, NYS Department of Labor can verify your identity over the phone using your SSN, full name, and address to look up your claim. The key is actually getting through to speak with someone, which I know is the main challenge right now.

Have you tried checking your text messages? When I filed my claim, NYS Department of Labor sent me a confirmation text with my claim number right after I submitted the application. It might be buried in your message history if you haven't deleted it. Also, if you have a case worker assigned to your claim, sometimes their contact info includes your claim number in their email signature or voicemail messages.

The NYS Department of Labor wage determination process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. They're calculating your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter in the base period. If you had any issues with unreported wages or worked for employers who went out of business, that can delay things. But in most cases it's just verification.

I went through wage determination about 6 months ago and it took exactly 2 weeks for me. What helped was that I kept all my pay stubs and had my employment dates ready when I first filed. The NYS Department of Labor will also look at any severance pay you received - that might affect your benefit start date but won't reduce your weekly amount. Just be patient, Omar, since you worked for the same company for 3 years your wage history should be pretty straightforward to verify.

same boat here, thanks for asking this question! Really helpful thread.

Just to add some clarity - I went through this exact situation last year. The NYS Department of Labor website has a specific section called "Work Search Requirements" that breaks everything down. You need to document your job search activities and be prepared to provide proof if requested. This includes the employer name, position applied for, date of contact, and method of contact. I kept a simple spreadsheet that saved me when I got randomly selected for a review. Also, don't forget that you can count things like updating your resume, attending virtual job fairs, or even informational interviews as valid job search activities. The key is being genuine about your efforts and keeping good records.

The unemployment system is so confusing! I thought I understood it but then my claim went into adjudication and I realized I had no clue what half these terms meant. At least now I know I can work part-time and still get benefits.

Just want to add that the "able and available" requirement is really important - I learned this the hard way. Even if you're unemployed, if you have restrictions on when/where you can work (like only certain hours due to childcare), you need to report that accurately. NYS DOL considers your availability when determining eligibility. Also, the base period earnings requirement trips up a lot of people - you need sufficient wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). If you haven't worked much in the past year, you might not qualify even if you're currently unemployed.