Can u apply for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor eligibility questions?
hey everyone, i got laid off from my warehouse job last friday and wondering if i can apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? this is my first time dealing with this stuff and honestly have no idea where to start. do i qualify automatically or are there requirements i need to meet first? also how long does the whole process take? really stressed about paying rent next month so any help would be appreciated
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Caleb Stark
Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits in NY! You'll need to file your initial claim on the ny.gov website. Basic requirements are that you lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff qualifies), you must be able and available to work, and actively searching for employment. You also need sufficient work history - generally you need wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period.
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Harper Thompson
•thanks! what exactly is a base period though? i worked at the warehouse for about 8 months before getting laid off
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Jade O'Malley
The application process itself is pretty straightforward on the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, and dates of employment. Make sure you apply as soon as possible - there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and delays in filing can cost you money.
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Hunter Edmunds
•this is so helpful, i was putting off applying because i thought it would be super complicated
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Ella Lewis
I had a really hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone when I needed to speak with someone about my claim status. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Eventually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration dealing with the phone system.
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Andrew Pinnock
•interesting, never heard of that before. did it actually work for getting through to someone?
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Ella Lewis
•yeah it did! was able to speak with an actual NYS Department of Labor agent within a reasonable time instead of getting hung up on constantly
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Brianna Schmidt
just want to add that you need to file weekly claims every week even after your initial application to keep getting benefits. lots of people forget this step and then wonder why their payments stopped
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Harper Thompson
•good to know! is there a specific day of the week i need to file or can i do it anytime?
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Alexis Renard
ugh the whole unemployment system is such a pain. took forever for my claim to get approved and then they randomly put me in adjudication for like 3 weeks with no explanation. just be prepared for potential delays and headaches with NYS Department of Labor
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Caleb Stark
•adjudication can happen for various reasons - usually they just need to verify information about your separation from work or your availability. it's frustrating but most claims do get resolved eventually
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