How does filing for unemployment affect the employer - NYS Department of Labor impact questions
I'm considering filing for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor but I'm worried about how this might affect my former employer. Will they get in trouble or have to pay penalties? I left on good terms and don't want to cause problems for them. Does the NYS Department of Labor charge them extra fees when someone files? I've heard conflicting information about whether employers get penalized when people file claims. Can someone explain what actually happens on the employer side when you file with NYS Department of Labor?
9 comments


Keisha Brown
Your employer won't get in trouble just because you file for unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor employers pay unemployment insurance taxes regardless - it's like any other business insurance. When you file a claim, they'll receive a notice about your application and can respond if they disagree with the reason for separation. The only time it might affect their tax rate is if they have a pattern of high turnover or contested claims over time.
0 coins
Yara Khalil
•That's a relief! So filing won't immediately cause them problems? I was laid off due to budget cuts so it should be straightforward.
0 coins
Paolo Esposito
employers basically pay into the unemployment system through quarterly taxes to NYS Department of Labor. Think of it like workers comp insurance - they're already paying whether anyone files claims or not. The rate they pay can go up if they have lots of claims but one claim from a legitimate layoff won't hurt them
0 coins
Amina Toure
I was SO worried about this same thing when I got laid off last year! Turns out my old boss actually encouraged me to file because they knew I was eligible. NYS Department of Labor just sent them a form asking about my job duties and why I left, they filled it out, and that was it. No drama at all.
0 coins
Oliver Weber
•same here - my manager even helped me understand the process when I was let go
0 coins
FireflyDreams
The employer gets notified when you file and has 10 days to respond to NYS Department of Labor if they want to contest your claim. If you were laid off legitimately, most employers won't contest it because they know you're entitled to benefits. They only usually fight it if they think you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct. For reaching NYS Department of Labor directly about employer obligations, I've had good luck with claimyr.com - they have a service that helps you actually get through to speak with agents when the phone lines are swamped. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
0 coins
Yara Khalil
•Good to know about that service! The phone lines are always busy when I try to call NYS Department of Labor.
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
why would you even worry about the employer?? they laid YOU off! file your claim and get your money, that's what unemployment insurance is for. NYS Department of Labor has the whole system set up already
0 coins
Javier Morales
Just to add - if your employer tries to fight a legitimate unemployment claim, NYS Department of Labor investigates and makes the final decision. They look at documentation, interview both parties if needed, and determine eligibility based on the facts. Don't let fear of 'bothering' your employer prevent you from getting benefits you've earned through your work history.
0 coins