Can someone explain how unemployment insurance works in NY - completely lost
I just got laid off from my warehouse job last week and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment but I honestly have no idea how unemployment insurance works. Like what exactly is it? Do I get money every week? How much? Do I have to pay it back later? My manager said something about the NYS Department of Labor but I've never dealt with any government stuff before. I'm 22 and this is my first real job so I'm pretty confused about the whole process. Can someone break this down for me in simple terms?
14 comments
Join the conversation
Zachary Hughes
Unemployment insurance (UI) is basically temporary financial assistance while you're looking for work. In NY, it's administered by the NYS Department of Labor. You don't pay it back - it's funded by employer taxes. You'll need to file weekly claims to certify you're still unemployed and actively job searching. The amount depends on your previous earnings, but the maximum weekly benefit is currently $504. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks typically.
0 coins
Rachel Clark
•Wait so my old employer was already paying into this? That makes me feel less guilty about applying. How do I actually start the process?
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
Go to the NYS Department of Labor website and file your initial claim online. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and banking info for direct deposit. The key thing is to file ASAP because there's a waiting week before benefits start. Also you have to certify weekly that you're actively looking for work - they require at least 3 job search activities per week.
0 coins
Rachel Clark
•3 job search activities - does that mean just applying to 3 jobs or is there more to it?
0 coins
Zachary Hughes
•It can be job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, etc. Keep a log of everything with dates and details because NYS Department of Labor may ask for proof.
0 coins
Carter Holmes
just filed mine yesterday and its super confusing!! the website keeps timing out and im not sure if i did it right. also what happens if they reject your claim?
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•If your claim gets denied, you'll receive a determination letter explaining why. You can appeal within 30 days if you disagree. Common reasons for denial include quitting without good cause or being fired for misconduct.
0 coins
Sophia Long
Ugh dealing with NYS Department of Labor is such a nightmare. I've been trying to get through to someone for WEEKS about my claim that's stuck in adjudication and their phone lines are always busy. The whole system is broken.
0 coins
Angelica Smith
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor agents. Ended up using this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real person. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
0 coins
Sophia Long
•Really? Is it legit or some kind of scam? I'm desperate at this point.
0 coins
Angelica Smith
•It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you then connect you to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
0 coins
Logan Greenburg
One thing they don't tell you upfront is that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or you'll owe at tax time. Also if you work part-time while collecting, your benefits get reduced but you might still qualify for partial payments.
0 coins
Rachel Clark
•Good to know about the taxes! So I could potentially work a few hours somewhere and still get some unemployment money?
0 coins
Logan Greenburg
•Yes, but you have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. NYS Department of Labor has specific formulas for calculating partial benefits.
0 coins