Can I get NY unemployment back pay if I just filed my application today?

Unfortunately, NY unemployment doesn't automatically provide back pay for periods before you filed your initial claim. The general rule is that benefits start from the week you file, not when you became unemployed. In some cases, they might backdate your claim if you can prove there was a good reason for the delay - like if the website was down when you tried to file, or if you were hospitalized.

same boat last year. waited 2 months b4 filing cuz i thought id find a new job fast. NOPE! called and begged them to backdate but they said no way unless u had a legit reason like hospitalized or website errors. regular 'i didnt know' doesnt cut it with them. sucks but thats how it is 🤷‍♂️

You might still have a small chance. File a formal request to backdate your claim and provide a detailed explanation for your delay. While "I didn't know" usually doesn't work, if you can demonstrate that you were misled about eligibility or received incorrect information from an official source, they might consider it. Also, keep in mind that NY unemployment has a "good cause" provision. Document EVERYTHING about why you delayed filing. Include any evidence like emails showing you were actively job hunting or believed you'd be recalled to work soon. Make sure to continue certifying weekly while you wait for a decision on the backdating request!

Being misinformed by your employer about eligibility could potentially qualify as "good cause" for delayed filing! Make sure to include the following in your request: 1. The name and position of the person who gave you incorrect information 2. When and how they told you (email is best if you have it) 3. Exactly what they told you about your eligibility 4. When and how you discovered this information was incorrect Submit this through your online account and also try explaining this to a claims specialist by phone.

I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!! The system is designed to confuse people and make them miss out on benefits they deserve!!! I tried calling 78 TIMES to get this fixed and never got through to a real human. They do this on purpose to save money!!!! 😡😡😡

When I had a similar issue last month, I couldn't get through on the phone either. Then my cousin told me about this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes after trying for days on my own. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that shows how it works. It was honestly worth it because I needed to speak to someone about my specific situation, and waiting wasn't an option since I had bills due. The agent I finally spoke with was able to help me file the right paperwork.

To answer your original question directly: It is possible to get back pay, but not guaranteed. According to NYSDOL guidelines updated in 2025, claims can be backdated if you can prove you had "good cause" for not filing sooner. Being given incorrect information by your employer potentially qualifies. You should: 1. File a backdating request through your online account 2. Submit any documentation supporting your claim (emails, texts from employer) 3. Continue certifying weekly while waiting for a decision 4. If denied, you have the right to request a hearing The law allows for up to 26 weeks of backdating for good cause, but practically speaking, anything more than 4-6 weeks is rarely approved unless there were extraordinary circumstances.

quick tip: when u submit ur evidence make sure to highlight or circle the important parts. these ppl get tons of paperwork & dont always read everything. make it SUPER obvious where ur boss said u wouldnt qualify so they cant miss it!

I waited 5 weeks to file last year because I was in the hospital after a car accident. Had all my medical records and everything. They still only backdated me for 2 of those weeks. The system is totally unfair sometimes. Hope you have better luck than I did!

Update us on how it goes with your backdating request! If your employer genuinely misled you about eligibility, that's one of the more solid reasons for backdating. Document everything, be persistent, and don't forget to keep certifying weekly while you wait for their decision. Good luck!