How does unemployment work - NYS Department of Labor claim process explained?

The unemployment process in NY has several steps. First, you file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website (my.ny.gov). After that, you'll need to file weekly claims every Sunday to certify you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period - with $28/hour retail work, you're probably looking at somewhere around $400-500 per week depending on your hours. The adjudication process happens if there are any questions about your eligibility, like if your employer contests the claim.

Yeah you HAVE to file those weekly claims or you won't get paid for that week. It's like 5 minutes online every Sunday. You'll answer questions about whether you worked, if you looked for jobs, stuff like that. Miss a week and that money is just gone. Also make sure you're keeping a job search log because NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week.

I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Calling their number was impossible - either busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting 2+ hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) showing how it works. Saved my sanity honestly because I was about to lose my apartment waiting for that claim to process.

just file online and wait basically. took me like 2 weeks to get my first payment but that was during covid so probably faster now

The whole system is a joke tbh. They make it SO complicated on purpose to discourage people from filing. Like why do I need to prove I'm looking for work when I literally just got laid off through no fault of my own?? And don't get me started on their outdated website that crashes half the time.

To directly answer your question about the process: 1) File initial claim online 2) Wait for monetary determination letter 3) File weekly claims starting the week after you file 4) Complete required job search activities 5) Receive payments (usually takes 2-3 weeks for first payment). If your employer doesn't contest and there are no eligibility issues, it's pretty straightforward. The problems usually come when there's adjudication or when people don't understand the weekly filing requirement.

Good luck with filing tonight! One tip - make sure you have all your employment info ready before you start (employer names, addresses, dates worked, reason for separation). The application will time out if you take too long gathering documents. Also, once you file that initial claim, don't wait to start your weekly certifications - you can file your first weekly claim the Sunday after you submit your initial application, even if you haven't gotten your determination letter yet. The sooner you start that weekly routine, the sooner payments can begin processing.

One thing I wish someone had told me when I first filed - don't panic if your claim status shows "pending" for a while after you submit. That's totally normal while they process your application. Also, make sure to check your messages in the online portal regularly because NYS Department of Labor will send important updates there, not just to your email. And if you do end up needing to call them, try calling right when they open at 8am - that's when you have the best chance of getting through. The phone lines get completely jammed by mid-morning.