How do you get unemployment checks from NYS Department of Labor?
I just lost my job last week and I'm trying to figure out how to get unemployment checks. I heard you have to apply somewhere but I don't know where to start. Do I go to an office or is it online? How long does it take to get approved and start receiving payments? I've never been unemployed before so this is all new to me. Any help would be appreciated!
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JacksonHarris
You need to file your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov. Don't go to an office - everything is done online now. You'll need your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent employer's information. After you file, you'll get a determination letter in about 2-3 weeks. If approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits.
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Ella Thompson
•Thanks! Do I need any specific documents when I apply online?
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Jeremiah Brown
make sure you file asap because there's a waiting week before you can get paid. I made the mistake of waiting 2 weeks after I got laid off and basically lost out on money
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Royal_GM_Mark
The process is pretty straightforward but here's what you need to know: 1) File your initial claim at labor.ny.gov 2) Complete your weekly claims every week 3) Do your required job search activities (3 contacts per week) 4) Keep records of everything. Your first payment usually comes 3-4 weeks after filing if there are no issues with your claim. Make sure you have direct deposit set up to get payments faster.
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Ella Thompson
•What kind of job search activities do I need to do? Is there a specific form?
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Royal_GM_Mark
•You need to make 3 job contacts per week and log them in your work search record. You can do this online, apply for jobs, contact employers directly, or attend job fairs. Keep detailed records because they can audit your search activities.
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Amelia Cartwright
UGH the whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to call the NYS Department of Labor for weeks because my claim got stuck in adjudication and I can't get through to anyone. The automated system just hangs up on you after waiting on hold forever. This is so frustrating when you need help paying bills!
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Chris King
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone. Someone on here told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you reach agents. I was skeptical but tried it and actually got through to someone the same day. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you're stuck.
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Rachel Clark
Just wanted to say good luck with everything. Being unemployed is stressful enough without having to navigate all the paperwork and requirements. At least the weekly claims are pretty quick once you get the hang of it.
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