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Don't let the system intimidate you! I was terrified when I first filed but it's actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The unemployment claim process has these main steps: 1) File your initial claim with work history and reason for separation 2) Wait for determination letter 3) File weekly claims every week 4) Complete job search activities 5) Get paid if everything's approved. The NYS Department of Labor has improved their online system a lot since COVID so it's much more user-friendly now.
To add to what others said - your unemployment claim also determines your weekly benefit amount based on your past earnings. The NYS Department of Labor looks at your wages from the last 18 months and calculates roughly half your average weekly wage, up to the maximum benefit amount. Right now in 2025 the max is around $530 per week. You can collect for up to 26 weeks typically, though this can vary based on economic conditions.
Just be careful because if you mess this up you could lose your SSI permanently. The system is designed to trip people up and once they find an excuse to cut you off they will. I've seen people lose everything trying to work while on disability.
I was in a similar situation last year when I got let go from a temp job. I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone to ask about my eligibility - their lines are always busy. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. It was way easier than trying to call myself for hours. The agent was able to look at my work history and explain exactly what I qualified for.
Just file anyway if you lose your job. The worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised. I didn't think I qualified when I got laid off because I'd switched jobs a lot, but it turned out my wages from different employers all counted together. The NYS Department of Labor website has a benefits calculator you can try first too.
I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask similar questions about my claim. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at NYS Department of Labor within like 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Totally worth it when you need actual answers instead of guessing about stuff like unemployment rates affecting benefits.
The unemployment rate when any president leaves office doesn't matter for your personal UI benefits lol. But yeah it was around 3.8% nationally when Biden left in January. In NY specifically it was probably similar. Your $420/week sounds about right depending on what you were making before. Just keep doing your weekly certifications and job searches.
Jade O'Malley
One thing they don't always tell you upfront is that you need to do job search activities to keep getting benefits. You have to log into the NYS Department of Labor system every week and record your job search efforts. I think it's at least 3 job contacts per week but check the current requirements. Also if you're having trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor by phone (which happens a lot), there's a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps people reach agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling when I had questions about my claim status.
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Charlotte Jones
•Good to know about the job search thing. How strict are they about that? Do they actually check?
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Lucas Bey
•Yes, they do audit job search logs randomly and if you can't provide documentation you could lose benefits or have to pay them back. Keep records of where you applied, when, and any responses you get.
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Hunter Edmunds
honestly the whole system is such a pain... took me forever to get my first payment and then they put my claim under adjudication for like a month for no reason. but yeah file online ASAP and make sure all your info is exactly right or they'll delay everything
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Ella Lewis
•Same here with the delays! The adjudication process is the worst part.
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