NY discrimination (Eg age discrimination) cases need to be filed within 1 year of action. s-xual harassment cases (looking at Steve and John specifically now) have 3 years to file.
If you were, or get, laid off do consider filing for punitive damages if you are in a protected class or over age 50. Especially if the federally required EEOC report they give you makes it clear you were let go based on age.
Severance release gives you the right to file and state law prevents penalizing you in any way for such action.
Dhr.ny.gov
Other states have similar laws.