How do I apply for unemployment for the first time - NYS Department of Labor process?
I just got laid off from my job at a retail store after working there for 2 years. This is my first time ever needing to apply for unemployment benefits and I'm completely lost on where to start. I know I need to go through NYS Department of Labor but their website is confusing and I don't know what information I need to have ready. Can someone walk me through the basic steps? Do I need my social security card or just the number? What about pay stubs - how many do I need? I'm worried I'll mess something up and delay my benefits.
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Connor O'Brien
First step is to go to labor.ny.gov and look for the 'File a Claim' button. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. Also gather your most recent pay stub and reason for separation. The online application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready.
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Natasha Petrov
•Thank you! Do I need the exact addresses of my previous employers or just the company names?
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Amina Diallo
just filed mine last week, its pretty straightforward once you get started. make sure you have bank account info for direct deposit too. they ask for routing and account numbers
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GamerGirl99
The NYS Department of Labor system will ask you to create a my.ny.gov account first if you don't have one. After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. Each weekly claim asks about any work you did that week and any income you received. Don't skip weeks even if you think you won't get paid - you still need to file to keep your claim active.
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•Wait, I have to file something EVERY week? That seems like a lot. What happens if I forget one week?
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GamerGirl99
•Yes, every single week. If you miss filing a weekly claim, you can usually file it late but there might be delays in payment. It's better to set a reminder on your phone for the same day each week.
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Isabella Costa
Been through this nightmare multiple times unfortunately. The NYS Department of Labor website crashes constantly and their phone lines are always busy. Expect to spend HOURS trying to get through to anyone if you have questions. The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up.
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Malik Jenkins
•I had trouble reaching them too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Someone told me about this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. Saved me weeks of trying to call myself.
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Isabella Costa
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Might be worth trying if I run into issues again.
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Freya Andersen
One thing they don't tell you upfront - you have to actively search for work and keep a log of your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and you might get audited to prove you're looking for work. Keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and any responses you got.
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Natasha Petrov
•Oh wow, I didn't know about the job search requirement. Is there a specific format for keeping track of this?
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Freya Andersen
•You can use the work search log on the NYS Department of Labor website or just keep your own spreadsheet. Include company name, position applied for, date, method of contact, and any follow-up. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.
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Charlee Coleman
@Natasha Petrov - I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my restaurant job. The whole process seemed overwhelming at first, but it's really not that bad once you break it down. Besides what Connor mentioned, also have your W-2 from last year ready and any separation paperwork your employer gave you (like a layoff notice). One tip that really helped me - call the NYS Department of Labor customer service line early in the morning (like 8:05 AM) right when they open. You'll have a much better chance of getting through than calling later in the day. The wait times can be brutal but if you have specific questions, talking to a real person helps a lot. Good luck!
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