How far back can you apply for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?

You can definitely still file, but you'll only be able to claim benefits from the week you actually file your application. NYS Department of Labor doesn't allow retroactive claims beyond your filing date. So if you file today, your benefit year starts this week - you won't get paid for those 6 weeks you waited. The general rule is to file as soon as you become unemployed to avoid losing those weeks of benefits.

same thing happened to my cousin last year, she waited almost 2 months thinking she'd find work and ended up losing all that money when she finally filed

Actually, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you had what's called 'good cause' for the delay in filing, NYS Department of Labor might consider backdating your claim. Good cause could include things like serious illness, family emergency, or if you were given incorrect information by an employer about your eligibility. You'd need to provide documentation though. When you file, explain your situation and ask about backdating - worst they can say is no.

I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to ask about backdating my claim last year. The phone system is terrible and I kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered without spending hours on hold.

Wait I'm confused - I thought you could claim unemployment for up to a year after you lose your job? My friend told me that when I got fired last month. Are you saying that's not true?

The NYS Department of Labor system is so frustrating with this stuff. Like why can't they just automatically backdate claims when people file late? They act like everyone knows all these rules ahead of time. Most people have never dealt with unemployment before and don't know you have to file immediately.

Just file now and don't wait any longer! Even though you missed those weeks, you'll still be eligible for future weeks. The longer you wait, the more money you're potentially losing. The application process takes time anyway and there might be an adjudication period where they review your claim.

I went through something similar when I lost my job last year. The key thing is to file TODAY - don't wait another day. While you can't get those 6 weeks back, you're still eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits going forward. When you file online, there's a section where you can explain why you delayed filing - be honest about your situation. Even if they can't backdate it, at least you'll have it on record. Also, make sure you certify for benefits every week once you're approved, even if you're still job searching. Missing weekly certifications can cause delays in payments too.

I'm in a similar boat - got laid off 3 weeks ago and kept thinking something would come up. Reading all these responses is making me realize I need to stop procrastinating and just file already. Carmen, definitely don't wait any longer! And for anyone else reading this who just lost their job - file immediately! I learned the hard way that pride and optimism don't pay the bills. At least we can still get benefits going forward even if we missed those initial weeks.

Just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you have all your employment information ready - dates of employment, reason for separation, employer contact info, etc. The NYS DOL system can be glitchy and it's frustrating to have to start over if you're missing information. Also, don't be discouraged if your first payment takes a few weeks - there's usually a waiting period while they process everything. I know it sucks that you can't get those 6 weeks back, but getting started now is still going to help with your rent situation going forward. Hang in there!

I'm in the exact same situation - lost my job 4 weeks ago and kept thinking I'd land something fast. Reading through all these comments is a real wake-up call about how the system actually works. It's frustrating that there's no grace period for people who don't know the rules, but I guess that's just how it is. Carmen, we both learned an expensive lesson here, but at least we can still get benefits moving forward. I'm going to stop putting it off and file my application today too. For anyone else who might be reading this after losing their job - seriously, file IMMEDIATELY. Don't make the same mistake we did!

I work at a workforce development center and see this situation constantly - you're definitely not alone in making this mistake! While it's true that NYS DOL generally doesn't allow backdating beyond your filing date, I always tell people to file immediately and still ask about backdating when you speak to a representative. Sometimes there are program nuances or special circumstances that might apply. Also, when you do file, make sure to select the earliest date you became unemployed as your "claim start date" even though benefits will only begin from your filing week - this establishes the proper timeline in their system. One more tip: if you're struggling with rent right now, look into emergency assistance programs in your area while you wait for unemployment to kick in. Many counties have rapid rehousing or emergency rental assistance that can bridge the gap. Don't let this setback discourage you from filing today!

I'm a case worker who helps people with unemployment claims, and I want to emphasize what others have said - file TODAY, don't wait another hour! While you unfortunately can't recover those 6 weeks of benefits, you're still eligible for up to 26 weeks going forward. When you apply, there's a question about why you delayed filing - be honest but keep it brief. Also, a few practical tips: Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history ready before you start. The system often crashes during peak hours, so try filing early morning or late evening. Once approved, you'll need to certify weekly - I recommend setting up a calendar reminder for the same day each week. And Carmen, while you're waiting for your first payment, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for information about local emergency assistance programs that might help with rent. You're not the first person to make this timing mistake, and you won't be the last - but don't let it prevent you from getting the help you need now!