How can I get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor - complete beginner needs help
I just lost my job last week and have never filed for unemployment before. I keep hearing about NYS Department of Labor benefits but honestly have no idea where to start or what I'm even eligible for. My employer said I was laid off due to budget cuts, not fired for cause or anything. Do I qualify for benefits? How do I even begin this process? I'm really stressed about paying my bills and rent next month. Any guidance would be hugely appreciated.
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Amina Sy
Sorry to hear about your job loss. The good news is you likely qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through NYS Department of Labor since you were laid off. You'll need to file your initial claim online at my.ny.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your employer's information. Make sure to file as soon as possible since there's a waiting week before benefits start.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Thank you! Do I need to wait until I get my final paycheck to file, or can I do it right away?
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Oliver Fischer
File immediately - don't wait for your final paycheck. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed. You'll also need to register for work search on the NYS Department of Labor website and start keeping a log of your job search activities. They require you to make at least 3 work search contacts per week to maintain eligibility.
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Paolo Rizzo
•What counts as a work search contact? Does applying online count or do I need to actually talk to someone?
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Amina Sy
•Online applications definitely count. You can also attend job fairs, networking events, or contact employers directly. Just keep detailed records of each contact including dates, company names, and what you did.
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Natasha Ivanova
just a heads up the NYS Department of Labor website can be really glitchy sometimes so dont panic if it takes a few tries to get your claim filed properly
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NebulaNomad
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible! The phone lines are always busy and I get disconnected constantly. This system is so broken it's ridiculous. Good luck actually getting help when you need it.
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Javier Garcia
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. I was skeptical but tried it and actually got connected within an hour. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Emma Taylor
Been there! When I got laid off from my restaurant job last year it was super overwhelming at first. The key thing is don't delay filing even if you're confused about something. You can always call later to clarify details but you need to get that initial claim in. Also make sure you certify for benefits every week even if your claim is still pending - missing a week can mess up your whole timeline.
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Malik Robinson
One more thing - if your claim goes into adjudication (which means they need to verify something about your eligibility), don't panic. It's pretty common and just means they're reviewing your case. It can take a few weeks but as long as you were honestly laid off and not fired for misconduct, you should be fine.
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Paolo Rizzo
•What's adjudication exactly? Is that bad?
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Amina Sy
•Adjudication just means NYS Department of Labor is reviewing your claim to verify you meet all the eligibility requirements. It's not bad, just a standard review process. They might contact your former employer to confirm the reason for separation. Just be patient and respond promptly to any requests for information.
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