Can I get backpay for NY unemployment if I haven't worked in a few months?

You probably won't get any backpay. They generally only pay from when you file your claim, not from when you lost your job. You should have filed immediately after being laid off. I learned that lesson the hard way too.

After waiting on hold for literal DAYS trying to reach ny unemployment, I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They called for me and got me connected to an actual human at unemployment who helped sort out my backpay issue. Best money I've spent to get my benefits moving! I was in a similar situation and they were able to explain my options. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

It depends. If you had a good reason for not applying right away (like you were sick, had family emergency, etc) you can request to have your claim backdated. But you'll need to speak with an agent directly and explain your situation. They don't make it easy tho.

The official policy is that benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. HOWEVER, you can request a backdate if you have "good cause" for not filing sooner. "I thought I'd find a job quickly" probably won't qualify as good cause, but it never hurts to ask. Call them and explain your situation - sometimes you get a sympathetic agent who'll help you out.

I had the EXACT same situation but last year. Didn't file until 2 months after losing my job. I called and BEGGED the agent and explained I didn't know I could file (I was new to the state). They backdated my claim but only by 4 weeks which is apparently the standard backdate window. Better than nothing tho.

Let me drop some ACTUAL facts from someone who worked with UI claims: In New York, you CAN potentially get your claim backdated, but you need to speak with an agent and have a valid reason. Valid reasons include: - You were physically/mentally unable to file (illness, etc) - You were given incorrect info by an employer about filing - Technical problems prevented you from filing - You were unaware you were eligible for benefits The process: 1. You need to contact NYSDOL directly and request a backdate 2. Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your reason 3. Be VERY SPECIFIC about your dates and reasons I highly recommend using claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly rather than spending days on hold. Once you get someone on the phone, explain calmly and clearly why you didn't file right away. Don't make up excuses - they've heard it all before. Good luck!

youre not gonna get backpay bro. system is designed to screw u over. welcome to america 🤡

Just to be clear - the way NY unemployment works is that your benefit year BEGINS when you file, not when you lost your job. You can request backdating but it's not automatic and not guaranteed. Make sure when you file your weekly certifications that you answer everything truthfully or you could end up with an overpayment issue later.

When I was in your shoes last year I used claimyr.com to get through to someone at unemployment. Waited on hold for me and then I was able to explain my situation to an actual human. They backdated my claim 4 weeks which is apparently the standard backdate if you don't have a really strong reason for not filing earlier.

I feel ya dude. I waited 2 months to file too because my boss told me he might hire me back. Big mistake! When I finally filed I asked about backpay and the agent said they could only backdate 4 weeks max without special circumstances. At least I got something tho.

CALL THEM!!!! Don't rely on online advice (including mine lol). Every situation is different, and backdating is decided case by case. But you HAVE to talk to someone. The website won't let you backdate on your own.