Can you collect unemployment if laid off from your job in NY?
Just got laid off yesterday from my retail job after 2 years due to company downsizing. My manager said it wasn't performance related, just budget cuts. I've never filed for unemployment before and honestly don't know if being laid off qualifies me for benefits through NYS Department of Labor. Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before applying? Also worried because I heard you have to actively look for work - is that true even if the layoff was temporary and they might call me back? Any guidance would be really helpful right now.
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Malik Johnson
Yes, being laid off definitely qualifies you for unemployment benefits in NY! Since it wasn't your fault (performance or misconduct), you should be eligible. Don't wait - file your claim as soon as possible because benefits are calculated from when you file, not when you lost your job. You'll need to register with jobs.ny.gov and yes, you do need to actively search for work each week even if your employer said the layoff might be temporary. Keep a log of your job search activities.
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CosmicCaptain
•Thank you! Should I file online or is there a better way? And what counts as job search activities?
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Isabella Ferreira
File online at labor.ny.gov - it's way faster than trying to call. For job search, you need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week. This can include applying to jobs, networking, going to job fairs, or working with a career counselor. Just keep detailed records of what you did, when, and who you contacted. NYS Department of Labor can ask for proof.
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Ravi Sharma
•wait I thought it was only 2 contacts per week? or did they change it recently
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Isabella Ferreira
•It's 3 contacts per week for most people, but can vary based on your situation. Check your specific requirements when you file.
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Freya Thomsen
The whole process is honestly a nightmare. I got laid off 6 months ago and it took WEEKS for my claim to get approved because it kept going into adjudication for no reason. Even though layoffs should be straightforward, they'll find ways to delay your benefits. Make sure you have all your employment history ready and be prepared to wait.
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CosmicCaptain
•Oh no, that sounds terrible. What caused the adjudication delay?
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Freya Thomsen
•They said they needed to verify my employment history even though I provided all the documentation. Just bureaucracy being bureaucracy.
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Omar Zaki
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim had issues after being laid off. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful when I needed to resolve my adjudication issue.
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AstroAce
•Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Omar Zaki
•Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Much better than spending my entire day hitting redial.
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Chloe Martin
same boat here, got laid off last month and my benefits started pretty quick. just make sure you file your weekly claims on time or you'll lose those weeks forever
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Amina Diop
Sorry to hear about your layoff! I went through something similar a few months ago. One thing I wish someone had told me - when you file online, make sure to create your NY.gov ID account first before starting the unemployment application. It can save you time and prevent you from losing your progress halfway through. Also, have your social security card, driver's license, and last employer's info handy. The system can be glitchy sometimes, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. You've got this!
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