How does NYS Department of Labor unemployment process actually work - confused about the whole system

The basic process is pretty straightforward once you understand it. First, you file your initial claim online at ny.gov - you'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. NYS Department of Labor will determine your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings. Then you file weekly claims every week to certify you're unemployed and looking for work. You must make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Benefits start after a one-week waiting period if you're approved.

The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week, and they can be applications, networking contacts, interviews, or even attending job fairs. NYS Department of Labor isn't super strict about it being in your exact field - you just need to show you're making a reasonable effort. Keep a detailed log with dates, employer names, and what you did. Most people worry too much about this part.

OMG yes the NYS Department of Labor website is THE WORST. I spent like 2 hours trying to figure out how to file my weekly claim the first time. And don't even get me started on trying to call them when you have questions - you'll be on hold forever or they'll just hang up on you. The whole system feels designed to frustrate you into giving up. But stick with it because you earned those benefits.

Just to add - your benefit amount is usually about half of what you were making, up to a maximum of $504 per week in 2025. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks typically. The money comes on a debit card they mail you. And yeah, you have to file that weekly claim every week even if nothing changed - it's like checking in to say you're still unemployed and available for work.

Processing time varies but usually 2-3 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Sometimes your claim goes into adjudication if they need to verify your employment or separation reason - that can add several more weeks. Make sure you have all your documentation ready when you file to avoid delays.

I went through this whole process last year when my restaurant closed. Honestly the hardest part was just understanding all the terminology at first - adjudication, monetary determination, waiting week, etc. But once you get into the routine of filing weekly it becomes pretty automatic. Just don't miss filing a week or you'll lose benefits for that period.