How does unemployment work - complete beginner needs NYS Department of Labor process explained
I might be losing my job next month and I've never filed for unemployment before. I'm completely lost about how does unemployment work in New York. What's the actual process? Do I apply before I lose my job or after? How much money do you get? I've heard people mention weekly claims and job search requirements but I have no idea what any of that means. Someone told me there's something called adjudication that can delay everything? I'm really stressed about this whole situation and would appreciate any guidance from people who've been through this before.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Lena Schultz
Don't worry, the NYS Department of Labor unemployment process is pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. You apply AFTER you lose your job, not before. You'll file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website, then file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. Your benefit amount depends on your previous earnings - typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum. The job search requirement means you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. Adjudication happens if there are questions about your eligibility, like if your employer contests your claim.
0 coins
Caesar Grant
•Thank you! That's really helpful. What happens during adjudication exactly? How long does that usually take?
0 coins
Giovanni Rossi
•Adjudication is when they investigate your claim to determine if you're eligible for benefits. It usually happens if your employer contests your claim (saying you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily) or if there are discrepancies in your application. During this time, your benefits are on hold while they review documents and may interview you and your employer. Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on how backed up they are. The good news is if you're approved, you'll get back pay for the weeks you were waiting.
0 coins
Gemma Andrews
Here's the step by step process: 1) File your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov within the first week after losing your job 2) Wait for your monetary determination letter showing your benefit amount 3) Start filing weekly claims every Sunday-Saturday 4) Complete your job search activities and keep records 5) Get paid if everything processes correctly. The hardest part is usually getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor if you have issues - their phone lines are always busy.
0 coins
Pedro Sawyer
•The phone situation is ridiculous! I spent weeks trying to get through when my claim got stuck.
0 coins
Mae Bennett
•If you can't get through on the phone, try using Claimyr.com - they help you reach NYS Department of Labor agents when the lines are jammed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when my claim was in adjudication for a month and finally got answers.
0 coins
Beatrice Marshall
ugh the whole system is such a mess!! i filed in december and it took FOREVER to get my first payment because they had to verify my identity or something. make sure you have all your documents ready - social security card, drivers license, work history for the past 18 months. and dont even get me started on the job search requirements - you have to apply to jobs even if theyre not really suitable just to meet the quota
0 coins
Melina Haruko
•Same here with the identity verification! It's so frustrating when you need the money right away.
0 coins
Dallas Villalobos
Been on unemployment three times in the past decade. The key things to remember: file your weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose benefits for that week, be honest about any work you do (even temporary gigs), and keep detailed records of your job search. When I was on it last year my benefit amount was $504 per week which wasn't bad. The system has gotten better since COVID but there are still delays sometimes.
0 coins
Caesar Grant
•That's actually more money than I expected! How do they calculate the exact amount you get?
0 coins
Lena Schultz
•It's based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. NYS Department of Labor takes your total wages from that quarter, divides by 26, and that's your weekly benefit rate up to the maximum.
0 coins