Can you file for unemployment if you get laid off - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question

Yes, absolutely you can file for unemployment if you're laid off! Being laid off actually makes you eligible for benefits because it's considered involuntary job separation through no fault of your own. You should file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work - don't wait. The NYS Department of Labor processes claims based on when you file, and there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start anyway. You can file online through the my.ny.gov portal.

File as soon as your employment officially ends. Don't file before your last day because NYS Department of Labor will ask for your last day worked and if you're still employed they might delay processing. I made that mistake and it caused a 2 week delay in my claim. Also make sure you have all your employment info ready - previous employers for the last 18 months, wages, dates worked, etc.

Layoffs are definitely covered by unemployment insurance. The key difference is voluntary vs involuntary separation. Laid off = involuntary = eligible. Quit = voluntary = usually not eligible unless you have good cause. Getting fired for misconduct can disqualify you but regular layoffs due to business needs are exactly what UI benefits are designed for.

Been there, it sucks but you'll be fine. Just make sure when you file weekly claims you're actively looking for work because NYS Department of Labor requires job search activities. Keep a log of where you apply. And if you have trouble getting through to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling busy phone lines.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a nightmare to navigate even when you ARE eligible. I was laid off last year and it took WEEKS to get my first payment because of some stupid adjudication hold that nobody could explain to me. Good luck getting anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor!