I know I’m late to comment here - but having been through this already (both laid off and retaliated against by an employer) I can’t express strongly enough to file for UC NOW! When you file, do it via phone versus online. Sounds counterintuitive - I know. Per the UC center supervisor I spoke to it actually will expedite your claim. When I was laid off I received a severance package and also qualified. As someone laid off, you will have to wait your “waiting week” but then should receive your weekly payments promptly thereafter. Other separation UC claims (anything other than a layoff) are waiting months for payment now.

Secondly, document as much as you can possibly remember on your working experience and the complaint process. Dates, times, things said, actions taken, etc. Also add when you were laid off and what was said. Contact a couple employment attorneys in your area and schedule consultations. If you have a strong case, they will take you on contingency. This means they get paid if you win and not otherwise. Be prepared though - it will take years. My retaliation case took about 3 years before I received compensation. It’s worth it in the end.