How does drawing unemployment work in NY - confused about the whole process
I just lost my job last week and I'm completely lost about how drawing unemployment benefits actually works. I've never filed before and honestly don't even know where to start. Do I apply online? How much can I get? How long does it take? I keep seeing people mention weekly claims and job search requirements but I have no idea what any of that means. Can someone walk me through the basics of how this whole system works? I'm really stressed about paying my bills and need to figure this out ASAP.
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Anastasia Sokolov
The process isn't too complicated once you understand the steps. First, you'll file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation. After filing, you'll get a determination letter explaining your weekly benefit amount and eligibility. Then you file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. You also need to complete 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. The whole process usually takes 2-3 weeks from filing to first payment if there are no issues.
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Diego Rojas
•Thank you! So I have to do something every single week even after I file the first time? What happens if I miss a week?
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Sean O'Donnell
yeah its pretty straightforward. go to labor.ny.gov and follow the prompts. just make sure you have all your job info ready because once you start you cant really go back and change stuff easily
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Zara Ahmed
Here's what worked for me when I filed last year. Create an account on the NYS Department of Labor website first, then file your initial application. Make sure you answer all questions accurately about why you lost your job - this affects whether you'll face adjudication delays. After approval, you'll file weekly claims every Sunday (I recommend setting a phone reminder). For job search, you can use the career services on the labor website, apply to jobs, or attend virtual job fairs. Keep detailed records of everything because they can audit your job search log at any time.
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Diego Rojas
•This is really helpful! What do you mean by adjudication delays though? Should I be worried about that?
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StarStrider
OMG the job search requirements are so stressful! I'm constantly worried I'm not doing enough or keeping good enough records. What if they deny my benefits because my job search log isn't perfect? Does anyone know exactly what counts as a valid job search activity? I've been applying to jobs but also worried about the networking and career services requirements.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Don't stress too much about it. Valid activities include job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling sessions, or using career services. As long as you're doing 3 different activities each week and documenting them, you should be fine.
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Luca Esposito
The NYS Department of Labor system is honestly such a nightmare to deal with. I've been trying to get through to someone for weeks about an issue with my claim and their phone lines are always busy. The website crashes constantly and half the time you can't even file your weekly claim. It's like they don't want people to actually get benefits. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there?
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Nia Thompson
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone. Someone told me about this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to unemployment agents. I was skeptical at first but checked out their website at claimyr.com and watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. It actually worked - I got through to someone the same day and resolved my adjudication issue. Might be worth trying if you're stuck.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Been there! The waiting is the worst part honestly. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time even if your initial claim is still processing.
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