Can I file unemployment online with NYS Department of Labor - need help with the process
I just got laid off yesterday and everyone keeps telling me different things about filing for unemployment. Can I actually file my initial claim online with NYS Department of Labor or do I have to call? I've been looking at the my.ny.gov website but it's confusing and I don't want to mess anything up. Also how long does it take for them to process everything? I'm really stressed about this whole situation.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Ahooker-Equator
Yes you can definitely file online! Go to my.ny.gov and create an account if you don't have one already. The online application is actually faster than calling - I filed mine last month and it was approved within a week. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready before you start.
0 coins
Abigail bergen
•Thank you! Do I need exact dates for all my previous jobs or just approximate?
0 coins
Anderson Prospero
i tried filing online last week and the website kept crashing on me!! ended up having to call anyway and waited 2 hours on hold. maybe try early morning like 7am when less people are on the site
0 coins
Tyrone Hill
The online filing system through my.ny.gov is your best option. Here's what you need to know: 1) File as soon as possible - benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. 2) You'll need your last employer's information including their federal ID number if you have it. 3) After filing, you'll get a confirmation number - save it! 4) Your first weekly claim certification will be available the Sunday after your claim is processed.
0 coins
Toot-n-Mighty
•This is really helpful info. I didn't know about the federal ID number requirement.
0 coins
Lena Kowalski
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and the phone system is impossible. If you need to actually talk to someone about your application, 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 disconnected.
0 coins
Abigail bergen
•Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?
0 coins
Lena Kowalski
•It's legit - they just handle the calling and waiting for you. I was skeptical too but it actually got me through to a real NYS Department of Labor person.
0 coins
DeShawn Washington
The whole NYS Department of Labor system is a JOKE! I filed online 3 weeks ago and my claim is still stuck in adjudication with no explanation. No one answers the phones, the website gives you no real information, and they expect you to just wait indefinitely while your bills pile up. This state doesn't care about working people at all!
0 coins
Mei-Ling Chen
•I feel you on this. Been waiting 2 weeks myself and getting really anxious about rent.
0 coins
Toot-n-Mighty
Just wanted to say filing online worked fine for me. Took about 20 minutes and I got my determination letter 5 days later. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly and completely - that's probably why some claims get held up in adjudication.
0 coins