Can u file for unemployment online with NYS Department of Labor - need help ASAP
hey everyone, just lost my job yesterday and really need to know if i can file for unemployment online with NYS Department of Labor? my friend said you have to go in person but that seems crazy in 2025. i'm freaking out about bills and rent coming up next week. does anyone know the website or how this works? i've never filed for UI before and have no idea what im doing. thanks
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Oliver Fischer
Yes, you can absolutely file online! Go to my.ny.gov and create an account, then navigate to the NYS Department of Labor unemployment services section. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank account info for direct deposit. The system is available 24/7 except for maintenance windows.
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Amina Sy
•thank you so much! do i need to wait a certain amount of time after losing my job or can i file right away?
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Natasha Ivanova
File as soon as possible! There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, but the sooner you file your initial claim, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Make sure you have accurate dates of employment and reason for separation - NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your employer.
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NebulaNomad
•This is important - I waited 2 weeks to file thinking I needed to 'cool off' first and basically lost those 2 weeks of potential benefits. The waiting period doesn't start until you actually submit your claim.
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Javier Garcia
ugh the online system can be a pain sometimes. took me like 3 tries to get through the whole application without it timing out. make sure you have all your info ready before you start
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Oliver Fischer
•Good point - save your progress frequently if the system allows it. Also try filing during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening when fewer people are using the system.
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Emma Taylor
If you run into issues with the online system or your claim gets stuck in adjudication, I had success using claimyr.com to actually get through to a NYS Department of Labor agent by phone. They have this video demo (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) that shows how it works. Saved me weeks of trying to call on my own when my claim was pending for forever.
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Malik Robinson
•interesting, never heard of that service. how much does it cost?
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Emma Taylor
•I don't remember the exact pricing but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of getting hung up on constantly. Way cheaper than missing weeks of benefits while waiting.
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Isabella Silva
make sure when you file online you answer all the questions about job search requirements too. NYS Department of Labor requires you to be actively looking for work and you'll need to log your job search activities every week when you file your weekly claim
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