New York Unemployment

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Can't reach New York Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

$19.99StandardOne price

Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

Using Claimyr will:

  • Connect you to a human agent at the NYDOL
  • Skip the long phone menu
  • Call the correct department
  • Redial until on hold
  • Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
  • Give you free callbacks if the NYDOL drops your call
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Ask the community...

  • DO post questions about your issues.
  • DO answer questions and support each other.
  • DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
  • DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)

Who can file unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor - confused about eligibility

I'm trying to figure out if I'm eligible to file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor but I'm getting mixed information everywhere. I was working part-time at a retail store for about 8 months before they cut my hours down to basically nothing. My coworker said anyone who loses work can file but my cousin thinks you have to be full-time. I also had a gig job delivering food on weekends - does that count as work history? I'm 19 and this would be my first time dealing with unemployment stuff. Can someone explain who can actually file for UI benefits in New York?

The unemployment system is such a nightmare to navigate especially for young people filing for the first time. They make it seem like you need a law degree just to understand if you qualify. I went through this same confusion when I was 20 and lost my restaurant job. Turns out I qualified even though I'd only been working for 6 months because I had worked the previous summer too.

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To directly answer your question about who can file: employees who lose work involuntarily, people whose hours are significantly reduced, workers who quit for specific good cause reasons, and even some self-employed individuals under certain programs. The key factors are having sufficient wage history in covered employment and being unemployed through no fault of your own. Age doesn't matter - 19 is fine as long as you meet the work and wage requirements.

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thanks this is super helpful! going to try filing online tonight

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What unemployment benefits are available through NYS Department of Labor right now?

I just got laid off from my restaurant job last week and I'm completely lost about what unemployment benefits I can even apply for. I keep seeing different things online but I'm not sure what's current or what I actually qualify for. I worked there for about 8 months and made around $2,800 a month before taxes. Can someone break down what unemployment benefits are actually available through NYS Department of Labor right now? I don't want to waste time applying for stuff that doesn't exist anymore.

I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Spent weeks calling and either getting hung up on or waiting hours just to get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent within minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI - honestly saved my sanity dealing with the whole process.

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That's good to know, thanks! Hopefully I won't need that but it's reassuring to know there are options if I can't get through normally.

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The system is so confusing honestly. Like why can't they just have one simple page that explains everything instead of making you hunt through a million different forms and requirements??

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How long after filing for unemployment does NYS Department of Labor process the claim?

I submitted my initial unemployment application through the my.ny.gov portal about 5 days ago and I'm wondering what I should expect for timing. The status just says 'claim pending' and I haven't heard anything back yet. This is my first time filing for unemployment benefits after being laid off from my retail job. Should I be worried that it's taking this long? What's the normal timeframe for NYS Department of Labor to process new claims and start sending payments?

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I needed to resolve an issue with my weekly claim certification.

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Is that legit? I've been trying to call for days and keep getting disconnected after waiting 2+ hours.

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Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Much better than the endless busy signals and dropped calls.

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Just be patient, the NYS Department of Labor system moves slowly but it usually works out. I got my first payment exactly 3 weeks after filing. Make sure your bank account info is correct in your profile for direct deposit.

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How long for unemployment decision from NYS Department of Labor - been waiting 5 weeks

Filed my initial unemployment claim back in early December and it's been over 5 weeks now with no decision. My claim status just says 'under review' and I haven't received any correspondence asking for additional information. I've been filing my weekly claims but obviously not getting paid since there's no decision yet. Is this normal? How long should I expect to wait for a decision from NYS Department of Labor? Getting really stressed about bills piling up.

Keep filing those weekly claims even while you're waiting! Once your initial claim gets approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you certified. I made that mistake once and had to appeal to get those weeks back.

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5 weeks is definitely longer than usual but not unheard of, especially this time of year when claim volume is higher. The important thing is to stay on top of it and keep trying to make contact. Document every attempt you make to reach them in case you need that information later.

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Good point about documenting everything. I'll start keeping a log of when I try to call them.

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How long before you can claim unemployment benefits in NY - timing question

I just got laid off from my retail job yesterday and I'm wondering how long I need to wait before I can file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor? My manager said something about waiting periods but I'm not sure if that's accurate. I've never filed for UI before and I'm really stressed about paying my rent next month. Does anyone know if there's a specific waiting period or can I apply right away? Also do I need to wait until I get my final paycheck or can I start the process now?

The NYS Department of Labor system is so frustrating to deal with. I've been trying to get through on the phone for weeks about my claim status and can never reach anyone. If you need to talk to an actual person, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

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Never heard of that service before but honestly if it gets you through to NYS Department of Labor faster it might be worth it. The phone system is absolutely terrible.

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Just file online ASAP and make sure you have your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer's information ready. The online application is pretty straightforward and you can save your progress if you need to step away.

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