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Do NY unemployment hearings send notification letters for virtual appointments?

I just got scheduled for an unemployment hearing in NY and I'm not clear about how this works. Will they send me a letter with the exact date and time for my virtual hearing? Or do I need to check my online account? I've never done this before and I'm stressed about missing it. My determination letter just says I have the right to a hearing but doesn't say much about how I'll be notified when it's scheduled. Thanks for any help!

Danielle Campbell

Yes, NYSDOL will send you an official hearing notice by mail with all the details - date, time, and how to join the virtual hearing. They typically send this 10-14 days before your scheduled hearing. The letter will include instructions for the virtual platform they're using (usually Microsoft Teams in 2025). Make sure your mailing address is current in your account!

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Caleb Bell

Thank you! Do you know if they'll also email me or just send the physical letter?

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Rhett Bowman

they SHOULD send u a letter but mine never came and i missed my hearing!!! had to reschedule and it delayed my benefits by like 6 weeks. check ur online account every couple days just to be safe

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Caleb Bell

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! I'll definitely keep checking my account then.

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Abigail Patel

Same thing happened to my cousin! The system is totally broken. They expect you to just magically know when your hearing is scheduled.

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Daniel White

The hearing notice will be mailed to you AND it should appear in your online message center too. Double-check both places. The notice includes: - Exact date and time of hearing - Virtual meeting link (they use Microsoft Teams now) - Phone number alternative if you can't connect online - Your rights during the hearing - Documents you should have ready If you don't receive anything within 3 weeks of requesting the hearing, call them - though good luck getting through on those phone lines.

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Caleb Bell

This is really helpful, thank you! I'll keep an eye on both my mailbox and online account.

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Nolan Carter

I had a hearing back in January and never received ANY notification in my online account, only the paper letter. And it came just 5 days before the hearing date! Almost missed it completely. The system is a complete mess. I'd recommend calling to confirm once a week if you don't hear anything.

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Natalia Stone

I agree this is soooo annoying why cant they just text us or something? like its 2025 ffs

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Tasia Synder

After dealing with this exact problem last month, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me finally reach an agent to confirm my hearing date. I was worried because my mail has been unreliable lately. The service connected me to an unemployment rep in about 12 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved me a ton of stress about missing my hearing.

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Caleb Bell

I've never heard of that service before. Did they actually help you get through to someone? I've been calling for days with no luck.

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Tasia Synder

Yes! I got through to an actual person who confirmed my hearing details. Way better than waiting for a letter that might not arrive on time. The peace of mind was worth it for me.

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Abigail Patel

In my experience the hearing notice came in the mail but AFTER the actual hearing date was supposed to happen!! I had to go through this whole complicated process to get it rescheduled. The ALJ was actually nice about it but it delayed everything by 2 months. NYSDOL is completely dysfunctional.

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Nolan Carter

This happens ALL THE TIME! It's like they deliberately send notices late so people miss hearings and they can deny more claims. I don't trust anything about this system anymore.

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Danielle Campbell

One more important thing - make sure you're checking both your regular mail AND any email address associated with your unemployment account. In 2025, NYSDOL has been transitioning to more digital communication, but they're inconsistent about it. Some people get email notifications, others only get paper mail, and some get both. If you don't receive a notice within 15 days of requesting your hearing, I strongly recommend calling the Telephone Claims Center at 888-209-8124. Be prepared for a long wait, though.

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Caleb Bell

Thank you for the additional info. I requested the hearing about 10 days ago, so I'll give it another few days before I start trying to call them. My email is updated in the system too, so hopefully I'll get some notification there.

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Natalia Stone

my roomate had a hearing in march & they just sent him a letter. came like 2 weeks b4 the hearing date

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Caleb Bell

That's reassuring! Did it have all the info he needed for the virtual hearing?

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Natalia Stone

yea it had all the stuff. link for teams meeting and some papers he needed to fill out beforehand

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Daniel White

To prepare for your hearing, I recommend gathering these documents ahead of time: 1. Copy of your initial claim application 2. Any determination notices you've received 3. Employment records (dates, pay stubs, etc.) 4. Any correspondence with your employer 5. Your separation notice or termination letter 6. Notes about the issue in dispute Have these organized before your hearing, as the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) will appreciate your preparedness, and it will help your case go smoothly. Virtual hearings typically last 30-45 minutes.

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Caleb Bell

This is super helpful! I'll start getting these documents together right away. I'm appealing because they said I didn't have enough work history, but I definitely do. Just need to prove it.

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Rhett Bowman

guys am i the only one whos microphone never works on these stupid Teams meetings?? my last hearing was a disaster cuz i could hear them but they couldnt hear me and i had to use the chat box the whole time

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Danielle Campbell

That's a common issue! Always test Teams before your hearing. The notice should include a phone number you can call if your audio isn't working. They're required to provide that accommodation.

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