I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about reporting part-time work. After waiting on hold for hours multiple times, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was able to get my questions answered about partial benefits within a day instead of spending weeks trying to call.

Just be super careful with the dates. When you work matters for which week you report it in. I got confused about this and reported work in the wrong week and it messed up my whole claim for a month. NYS Department of Labor is very specific about their weekly reporting periods.

Don't beat yourself up about waiting three weeks, happens to everyone. The important thing is you're filing now. Make sure you keep track of all your job search activities from this point forward because NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work and keep records. You'll need to certify that you're looking for work when you file your weekly claims.

To give you the complete picture: file your initial claim as soon as possible after losing your job, request backdating for any weeks you qualify for within the 4-week window, and make sure you understand that your waiting week still applies. Even if you backdate, you typically won't get paid for the first week of unemployment - that's just how the system works. The important thing is getting your claim in the system so you can start the weekly certification process.

The federal government also provides funding during economic downturns through extended benefit programs, but the regular state UI program is funded entirely through employer taxes. No money comes out of your paycheck for unemployment insurance - it's 100% employer-funded in New York.

been collecting for 2 months now, never knew employers paid all of it. always thought some came from my taxes too

honestly just put down anyone who knows you're unemployed and looking for work... they probably won't even call unless there's an issue with your claim

I put my landlord when I got this question because he knew I was unemployed and job hunting. Never heard anything back from NYS Department of Labor so I guess it was fine.

been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for two weeks about my claim status and its impossible! the phone lines are always busy and when you do get through they hang up on you or put you on hold forever. this system is a joke

Just wanted to say good luck! I was in the same boat 6 months ago and was so stressed about the whole process. Once you get your first payment it's a huge relief. The weekly claims become routine after a couple weeks. Make sure you keep filing even if you think you might get a job soon - better to have the safety net.