Also worth mentioning - if you're having trouble getting through to file by phone, try the online system first. It's usually faster and available 24/7. If you run into issues reaching NYS Department of Labor agents for questions, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me time instead of calling dozens of times myself.

same exact thing happened to me last year!! filed the day after i got canned and had no problems. the key is just not waiting around thinking about it

I get the theory but the NYS Department of Labor system is so broken that being unemployed feels more like punishment than economic flexibility. My adjudication has been pending for weeks with no explanation.

The key thing to remember is that while some unemployment is structurally necessary for a healthy economy, that doesn't mean individual unemployment isn't challenging. You're still dealing with real financial stress even if your situation serves a broader economic function.

just to add - there are actually a few states where employees DO pay into unemployment but NY is not one of them. i think its only like 3 states total including alaska and pennsylvania. so dont feel bad about not seeing it on your paystub, thats totally normal here!

This system has always frustrated me because it creates this adversarial relationship between workers and employers when it comes to unemployment claims. Employers have a financial incentive to deny legitimate claims, which is why so many people have to go through the whole appeals process with NYS Department of Labor even when they clearly qualify. It would make more sense if employees contributed something too so employers wouldn't have such a strong motivation to fight every claim.

my friend filed unemployment and her old job didn't even contest it. i think most places just accept it unless they think you were fired for misconduct or something. the whole tax thing is calculated yearly anyway so its not like they get a bill the next day

File your claim! That's what the system is for. Your employer has been paying UI taxes all along specifically to cover situations like this. If you were laid off legitimately, there shouldn't be any drama. NYS Department of Labor handles everything and your employer just responds to their inquiry if they want to contest it.

ugh the whole unemployment tax situation is such a mess. i remember getting that refund a few years back but it took FOREVER and they never explained anything clearly. typical government BS if you ask me

Just to clarify for everyone - unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor are taxable income. You should have received a 1099-G form showing how much you received. The only exception was the 2020 tax year federal exclusion that's already been processed. Make sure you're not missing any important tax deadlines!