How does unemployment work in NY - confused about the whole process

The process starts with filing your initial claim through the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation. Once approved, you'll need to file weekly claims certifying you're able, available, and actively seeking work. Benefit amount is based on your previous earnings, typically around 50% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum.

The process is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. You'll file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. You'll need your social security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months including dates and employer contact info, and your separation reason. After filing, you'll get a monetary determination showing your weekly benefit amount. Then you file weekly claims every week you're unemployed to actually receive payments. The whole process usually takes 2-3 weeks for your first payment if there are no issues with your claim.

its not that complicated just go to labor.ny.gov and click file a claim, answer the questions and wait. you get money if you qualify

You'll also need to register with the state job search system and document your work search activities. The requirement is typically 3 job contacts per week, but this can vary. Keep detailed records because they may audit your job search log. If you're laid off through no fault of your own, you should qualify. The key is filing as soon as possible after your last day of work since there's usually a one-week waiting period.

I was so confused when I first applied last year! The whole adjudication process took forever and I kept getting worried I did something wrong. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly and completely because any inconsistencies can delay your claim for weeks.

If you run into issues reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor by phone (and you probably will), I had good luck with Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual agent without sitting on hold forever. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when my claim got stuck in the system.

One thing they don't tell you upfront is that benefits are taxable income. You can have taxes withheld or pay at the end of the year, but don't forget about that part!

The process starts by filing 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 bank info for direct deposit. After filing, you'll receive a determination letter explaining your weekly benefit amount. Then you file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. You must search for work and keep a log of your job search activities.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a detailed log. You can do this through the state's job search website or track your own contacts. If you don't meet the job search requirement, your benefits can be stopped. Also, you must be able and available to work each week you claim benefits.

The system is so confusing honestly. I filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten paid because my claim went into something called adjudication. Nobody explains what that means or how long it takes. The whole unemployment system feels like it's designed to make you give up.

its not that complicated once you get started, just go to the website and follow the steps. took me like 20 minutes to file my claim

If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration when my claim had issues.

You need to conduct at least 3 work search activities per week and keep detailed records. This includes applying for jobs, attending job interviews, contacting employers directly, or participating in reemployment services. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time, so keep everything documented with dates, company names, and contact methods.

just make sure you file right away, theres a time limit on when you can file after losing your job

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim being stuck in adjudication and their phone lines are always busy. You call and get disconnected constantly. It's like they don't want to help people.

Just make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still processing. Missing a week can cause delays in your payments later. And NEVER lie about working or earning money - they cross-reference with employment records and you'll get hit with an overpayment demand.