How do u collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor - complete beginner here
hey everyone, i just got laid off from my retail job last week and have no idea how do u collect unemployment in NY. like where do i even start? do i go to an office or is it all online now? my manager said something about filing a claim but didn't give me any details. i've never been unemployed before so this is all new to me. also how long does it take to get money? i'm kinda freaking out about rent next month. any help would be appreciated!!
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Arnav Bengali
Don't panic! The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. First, you'll need to file your initial claim online at my.ny.gov - there's no physical office visits required anymore. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your most recent pay stub. The NYS Department of Labor processes most claims within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues. Make sure you file as soon as possible since benefits are backdated only to the week you file, not when you lost your job.
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Scarlett Forster
•thank you so much! do i need anything else besides those documents? and what counts as employment history exactly?
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Arnav Bengali
•Employment history means all your jobs in the last 18 months - company names, addresses, dates you worked there, and reason you left each job. If you only had one job that's fine, just include all those details for that employer.
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Sayid Hassan
Just went through this myself 2 months ago. After you file the initial claim online, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. They'll ask if you looked for work, if you worked any hours, if you refused any job offers. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week but they suspended that requirement during COVID and I think it's back now? Someone correct me if I'm wrong about the current rules.
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Rachel Tao
•Yes the job search requirement is back - you need to document 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. You can use the NYS Department of Labor job search log or make your own. Activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.
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Derek Olson
ugh the whole system is such a pain. took me FOREVER to get through to anyone when my claim got stuck in adjudication. they say 2-3 weeks but mine took like 6 weeks because they needed to verify some stupid detail about my last job. just be prepared for delays and don't count on getting money right away
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Danielle Mays
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! What do you do if you can't get through on the phone? I've heard their call volume is insane.
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Roger Romero
Wait, do you have to be completely unemployed to collect? I thought I heard somewhere that you can get partial benefits if your hours got cut but you're still working some. Is that true for NY?
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Arnav Bengali
•Yes, you can collect partial unemployment benefits in NY if your hours were reduced. You can work up to 3 days per week and still qualify for partial benefits, as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount. You'll report your earnings when you file your weekly claim and they'll adjust your benefit payment accordingly.
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Anna Kerber
been there! make sure u keep all ur paperwork organized from the start. they might ask for stuff later and if u cant find it things get complicated. also set up direct deposit right away so u dont have to wait for checks in the mail
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Scarlett Forster
this is all super helpful everyone, thank you! one more question - when i file the weekly claims, is there a specific day i have to do it or can i do it anytime during the week?
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Rachel Tao
You can file your weekly claim starting Sunday for the previous week, but you must file by 7:30 PM on the following Saturday or you'll miss that week's payment. Most people file on Sunday or Monday to get it out of the way. The system is usually less busy early in the week too.
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