Just to add - even though you don't pay into it directly, you do 'earn' unemployment benefits by working and having your employer pay those taxes on your behalf. So you're still building up eligibility even without direct contributions from your paycheck.

This thread is really helpful! I'm new to NY from California and was worried I was missing something when I didn't see UI deductions. It's actually kind of nice that we don't have that extra deduction from our paychecks here. Does anyone know roughly what percentage employers pay? Just curious how the funding works on their end.

I always certify on Wednesday afternoons around 2-3pm and never have any problems. Most people probably do it on weekends so weekdays are way better

I usually certify on Tuesday evenings around 7-8pm and it's been pretty smooth. The system seems less congested then compared to Sunday mornings. One tip I learned is to have all your work search information ready beforehand - employer names, contact info, dates you applied, etc. It makes the whole process much faster and reduces the chance of timing out while you're looking up information.

Just adding my 2 cents - definitely keep track of EVERYTHING. Job applications, networking events, career fairs, even informational interviews can count as job contacts. The more detailed your records the better. I made a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact methods, and follow-up actions. NYS Department of Labor wants to see that you're making genuine efforts to find work.

@Amara Chukwu - Since you worked for 2 years at the same job, you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks of benefits in New York. Your cousin and neighbor were both partially right - it is typically 26 weeks (about 6 months), but it does depend on your work history during the "base period" which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. The key things to remember: file your weekly claims on time every week, keep detailed records of at least 3 job search activities per week (applications, networking, interviews, etc.), and be available for work. Don't stress too much about the paperwork - it becomes routine after the first few weeks. You've got this!

One thing to add - make sure you keep all your unemployment documentation (award letter, payment records, etc.) even after you return to work. I learned this the hard way when I had to file taxes the following year and couldn't find my 1099-G form. The IRS considers unemployment benefits taxable income, so you'll need those records come tax season. Also, if you ever need to apply for certain benefits or loans in the future, having that employment gap documented properly can be helpful.

Just wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're planning to return to the same employer you were laid off from, make sure they haven't changed their payroll or HR systems while you were out. I returned to my old job last year and spent my first week dealing with new login credentials, updated direct deposit forms, and a completely different benefits enrollment system. It's worth reaching out to HR a few days before your start date to confirm what you need to bring and if there are any new onboarding requirements. Nothing worse than showing up on your first day back and not being able to access your email or systems!

If you're having trouble getting through to file your claim online, I had success using Claimyr to connect with a NYS Department of Labor agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

just file online its not that hard people make it way more complicated than it needs to be