First off, you have to figure out where you are currently residing. It can't be both NY and NJ. You have to show residency in one or the other.
You have to apply via that states unemployment system. Both have procedures set up to route those who wouldn't otherwise qualify.
The problem you have is that you have to show that you were previously employed, either as an employee or an independent contractor (and not paying taxes does not bode well for you) and that your job was either ended or one that was scheduled to start was wiped out by the pandemic issues.
As for specific advice, you need to indicate where it is you are residing now.

