How do u get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor - first time filing?
hey everyone, so i just got laid off from my warehouse job last week and i have no idea how to get unemployment benefits. my friend said i need to file with NYS Department of Labor but honestly i'm pretty lost on where to even start. do i just go on their website? what information do i need? also how long does it take to get approved? i'm kinda freaking out about rent next month
12 comments
Join the conversation
Selena Bautista
First, don't panic - you can definitely get through this process. You'll need to file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. Before you start, gather your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment. You'll also need your last employer's information and the reason you were separated from your job. The initial claim usually takes about 10-15 minutes to complete online.
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•thanks! do i need pay stubs or anything like that? i think i have most of my old employer info but not sure about the exact dates
0 coins
Mohamed Anderson
After you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work. This is super important - if you miss filing your weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your job search activities. You can file weekly claims online or by phone.
0 coins
Ellie Perry
•wait, 3 job search contacts every single week? that seems like a lot, what counts as a contact?
0 coins
Mohamed Anderson
•Job applications, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, or even some types of training can count. You need to keep detailed records with dates, employer names, and what type of contact you made.
0 coins
Landon Morgan
Been through this process twice in the last few years. The NYS Department of Labor system can be pretty slow, so don't expect money right away. My first claim took almost 3 weeks to get approved, and then another week before I saw the first payment. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly - if they catch any inconsistencies later, you could have to pay everything back.
0 coins
Tasia Synder
•3 weeks?? how am i supposed to pay my bills for 3 weeks with no income
0 coins
Teresa Boyd
If you're having trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status or get help with the application, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get connected to an actual agent when I was stuck in adjudication. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
0 coins
Lourdes Fox
•Is that one of those services that charges you? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make a phone call for you
0 coins
Teresa Boyd
•I was skeptical too, but honestly after spending 2 days trying to get through myself and getting nowhere, it was worth it. They don't ask for your personal info or anything weird - they just help you get connected to the right department.
0 coins
Bruno Simmons
honestly the whole unemployment system is such a mess, took me forever to figure out all the requirements and then they kept asking for more documentation. good luck getting anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor too
0 coins
Selena Bautista
•The system definitely has its frustrations, but most people do get approved if they're eligible. The key is being thorough with your initial application and staying on top of your weekly claims.
0 coins