How do I apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my job at a manufacturing company after 3 years and I have no idea how to apply for unemployment benefits. I've never had to do this before and I'm really stressed about paying my bills. Can someone walk me through the process? Do I need to go somewhere in person or can I do it online? What documents do I need to have ready?
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Louisa Ramirez
You can apply completely online through my.ny.gov - no need to visit an office. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your most recent pay stub. The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. Make sure to apply as soon as possible since there's a waiting week before benefits start.
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Marilyn Dixon
•Thank you! Do I need exact dates of employment or just approximate months?
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Ezra Collins
You can apply online through the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. You should apply as soon as possible after your last day of work since there's a waiting week before benefits start.
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Emily Parker
•Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employer info? And what if I can't remember exact dates from previous jobs?
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TommyKapitz
definitely do it online, way easier than trying to call them. just make sure you have all your employer info ready because you cant save and come back later once you start
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Angel Campbell
•Wait really? You can't save your progress? That seems like a huge oversight in their system design.
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Victoria Scott
The online application is pretty straightforward but make sure you have all your info ready before you start. You'll also need to register for work search activities through the NYS Department of Labor job portal. Don't wait to apply - you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your initial claim.
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Benjamin Johnson
•this is so confusing why cant they just make it simple
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Victoria Scott
•I know it seems overwhelming but once you get through the initial application it gets easier. The weekly claims are much simpler to file.
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Zara Perez
I had trouble getting through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor when I was applying last month - their phone lines are always busy. If you run into issues with your application getting stuck or need to speak to someone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Emily Parker
•That sounds helpful - did it cost anything to use? I'm already worried about money.
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Zara Perez
•There is a fee but honestly it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of getting hung up on over and over. They focus on the value of getting you connected rather than keeping costs low.
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Payton Black
I had trouble getting through on the phone when I needed help with my application. If you run into issues and can't reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Harold Oh
•Interesting, never heard of that before. How much does something like that cost?
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Payton Black
•It was worth it for me since I was stuck for days trying to reach someone. The video explains everything better than I can.
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Amun-Ra Azra
Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week once your claim is approved. Keep detailed records because NYS Department of Labor can ask for proof at any time. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log and I hadn't been keeping proper documentation.
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Marilyn Dixon
•What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?
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Daniel Rogers
ugh the whole system is such a mess. took me forever to figure out all their requirements and then they put my claim in adjudication for weeks
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Emily Parker
•What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that happening to me?
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Ezra Collins
•Adjudication just means they're reviewing your claim to make sure you're eligible. It's pretty routine, especially if there are any questions about why you left your job. Most claims get approved after review.
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Summer Green
ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess. took me forever to figure out how to navigate their website and then my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks with no explanation. hopefully you have better luck than i did
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Harold Oh
Good luck with your application! The initial process is pretty straightforward but be prepared for potential delays if they need to verify anything with your former employer.
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