How does filing for unemployment work with NYS Department of Labor - completely lost
I just got laid off from my retail job after 2 years and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment but I have literally no idea how any of this works. Like do I just go to a website? Do I need to bring documents somewhere? How long does it take to get money? I'm 24 and this is my first time ever dealing with this stuff and I'm honestly freaking out a little because rent is due in 2 weeks. Can someone please explain the whole process from start to finish? I live in Queens if that matters.
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Sebastian Scott
Don't worry, the process is pretty straightforward once you know the steps! First, you'll file your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov - you'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months (dates, employer names, addresses, reason you left each job). After you file, NYS Department of Labor will send you a determination letter within 2-3 weeks telling you if you're approved and your weekly benefit amount. Then you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Make sure you start the process ASAP since you can't backdate claims in NY.
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Sarah Jones
•Thank you so much! Do I need pay stubs or can I just estimate the dates and stuff? I don't have all my old pay stubs anymore.
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Emily Sanjay
You don't need pay stubs for the initial filing but you'll want to be as accurate as possible with dates and wages. NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your former employers anyway. The key things you absolutely need: last day worked, reason for separation (layoff in your case), and gross wages from each employer in your base period. If you can't remember exact dates, estimates are fine but try to get close.
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Jordan Walker
•This is good advice. Also @OP once you file your initial claim, you'll get a PIN number that you'll use every week to file your weekly claims. Don't lose that PIN!
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Natalie Adams
One thing nobody warned me about - even after you're approved, there can be delays getting your first payment. My claim got stuck in adjudication for like 3 weeks because they had to verify something with my old job. If you run into issues reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor (their phone lines are ALWAYS busy), I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Elijah O'Reilly
•How much does that cost though? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make a phone call.
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Natalie Adams
•It's not sketchy - they don't ask for any personal info, just help you get connected. Way cheaper than missing rent because you can't reach NYS Department of Labor for weeks.
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Amara Torres
ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and every time I call they just say 'it's still processing' like that helps pay my bills!! Good luck OP but prepare yourself for a lot of frustration
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Olivia Van-Cleve
•Six weeks is way too long - something's definitely wrong with your claim. You should request a hearing or contact your assembly member's office for help.
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Jordan Walker
Also remember you have to do job search activities once you start claiming - 3 job contacts per week that you have to log. Keep records of everything because they can audit you anytime.
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Sarah Jones
•Wait what kind of job search stuff? Do I have to apply to 3 jobs every single week even if I'm trying to get my old job back?
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Sebastian Scott
•Yes, 3 work search activities per week minimum. Can be job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, etc. You log them in the system when you file your weekly claim. Even if you expect to be recalled, you still need to do the job search unless you're on approved standby status.
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