Can green card holders get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I got my green card about 8 months ago and just lost my job at a warehouse in Queens. My coworker told me that permanent residents can apply for unemployment but I'm not sure if that's true. I've been working legally for 2 years now and paying into the system. Does anyone know if green card holders are eligible for NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits? I'm worried about applying if I'm not supposed to.
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Daniel Rogers
Yes, green card holders are definitely eligible for unemployment benefits in New York! As a permanent resident, you have the same work authorization as US citizens when it comes to UI benefits. The key requirements are that you worked in covered employment and earned enough wages. You should apply through the my.ny.gov portal just like anyone else.
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Zara Perez
•Thank you! That's such a relief. Do I need to provide my green card number when I file the claim?
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Aaliyah Reed
I'm a permanent resident and I've collected unemployment twice in the past 5 years with no issues. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't discriminate based on immigration status as long as you're legally authorized to work. Just make sure you have your Social Security number and employment history ready when you file.
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Ella Russell
•How long did your claim take to get approved? I'm also a green card holder and filed last week but haven't heard anything yet.
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Aaliyah Reed
•Mine took about 10 days both times, but that was before COVID. These days it might take longer due to the backlog.
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Mohammed Khan
wait really?? i thought only citizens could get unemployment benefits. my friend told me immigrants couldn't apply for government assistance. this is confusing
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Daniel Rogers
•Your friend is mixing up different types of benefits. Unemployment isn't considered public assistance - it's an insurance program that you pay into through payroll taxes. Green card holders absolutely qualify if they meet the work requirements.
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Gavin King
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to verify my work authorization status during my claim. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to reach someone about my immigration status questions.
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Zara Perez
•That sounds helpful! I'm worried I might need to talk to someone if they have questions about my green card.
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Nathan Kim
Been a permanent resident for 12 years and never had any issues with unemployment claims. The system treats you exactly the same as citizens once you're legally authorized to work. Just file online and don't overthink it.
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Liam McConnell
As a green card holder myself, I can confirm that you're absolutely eligible for unemployment benefits in New York! I successfully filed my claim through the NY.gov website about 6 months ago after being laid off from my job in Manhattan. The application process was straightforward - they'll ask for your SSN, work history, and reason for separation, but there's no separate immigration status verification. Just make sure you have your employment records handy and can demonstrate you were working legally (which you clearly were). Don't let fear stop you from claiming benefits you've rightfully earned through your payroll contributions!
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Amina Sy
•This is really encouraging to hear from someone who actually went through the process recently! I was so nervous about applying because I wasn't sure if there would be extra scrutiny or delays because of my immigration status. Did you have to provide any additional documentation beyond the standard requirements, or was it really just like any other application?
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Honorah King
•@Liam McConnell That s'exactly what I needed to hear! I ve'been putting off applying because I was scared there might be complications with my status. It s'good to know the process is the same for everyone. I m'going to file my claim this weekend - thank you for sharing your experience!
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