Can you still apply for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor in 2025?
I just got laid off from my retail job yesterday and I'm wondering if you can still apply for unemployment benefits right now? I know there were a lot of changes during the pandemic but I'm not sure what the current situation is with NYS Department of Labor. Do I need to apply immediately or is there a waiting period? Also, my last job was only part-time for about 8 months - does that still qualify me for benefits? I've never filed for unemployment before so I'm pretty confused about the whole process.
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Ezra Bates
Yes, you can definitely still apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor! The regular UI program is fully operational. You should file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - there's no waiting period to apply, but there is a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits. For part-time work, you'll need to meet the minimum earnings requirements, which is typically around $3,300 in your highest quarter during your base period. You can apply online at my.ny.gov.
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Keith Davidson
•Thank you! That's really helpful. Do you know what the base period is exactly? I'm trying to figure out if my part-time earnings would qualify.
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Ezra Bates
•The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file your claim. So if you're filing now in early 2025, it would typically cover most of 2024. You can see your earnings history when you create your my.ny.gov account.
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Ana Erdoğan
ugh the whole system is such a mess though... I applied last month and my claim is STILL in adjudication. NYS Department of Labor takes forever to process anything these days. But yeah you can apply, just don't expect it to be quick or easy.
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Sophia Carson
•That's so frustrating! Have you tried calling them? I know the phone lines are always busy but sometimes you can get through.
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Ana Erdoğan
•I've tried calling like 50 times. Either busy signal or they hang up on you after an hour on hold. It's ridiculous.
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Elijah Knight
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone too when my claim got stuck. Someone on here recommended this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. I was skeptical but tried it - they got me connected in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI and the site is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Might be worth it if you run into issues.
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Brooklyn Foley
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?
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Elijah Knight
•It worked for me. They don't ask for any personal info upfront, just help you get through the phone system. I was able to resolve my adjudication issue the same day I got connected.
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Jay Lincoln
Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you apply - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, reason for separation, etc. The application asks for a lot of details and if you mess something up it can delay your claim.
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Jessica Suarez
yeah you can still apply but good luck getting approved lol... they deny everyone for the smallest reasons now
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