How get unemployment benefits - NYS Department of Labor first time filing help needed
I just got laid off from my warehouse job last week and need to know how get unemployment benefits. Never filed before and the NYS Department of Labor website is confusing me. Do I apply online or call? What documents do I need? My manager said something about needing to file weekly but I don't understand what that means. Really stressed about paying rent next month if this takes too long to process.
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Nia Wilson
You need to file your initial claim online at my.ny.gov first. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your reason for separation. After your initial claim is approved, you'll file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. The weekly claims are what actually trigger your benefit payments.
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Luca Russo
•Thanks! Do I need to wait for anything before I start filing the weekly claims or can I do that right after the initial application?
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Mateo Sanchez
definitely file online, calling is a nightmare right now. took me 2 hours to get through last month just to ask a simple question
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Aisha Mahmood
The process is straightforward once you get started. File your initial claim immediately - don't wait. You'll get a determination letter within 1-2 weeks telling you if you're approved and how much you'll receive. Make sure you have your last employer's exact business name and address because any mistakes can delay your claim. Start your job search activities right away too because you need to log 3 work search activities per week.
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Ethan Clark
•Wait, 3 work search activities? I thought it was just 2. Is this something new from NYS Department of Labor?
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Aisha Mahmood
•It's been 3 since they updated the requirements. You can check the current rules on the NYS Department of Labor website under work search requirements.
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AstroAce
honestly the whole system is a mess. I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim being stuck in adjudication. the phone lines are always busy and when you do get through they just tell you to wait. super frustrating when you're trying to pay bills
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Yuki Kobayashi
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor agents. Someone on here recommended Claimyr and it actually worked - they got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Carmen Vega
Make sure you file within the first week after losing your job. There's no waiting period in NY but if you delay filing your initial claim, you could miss out on benefits for those weeks. Also keep all your paperwork from your employer about the layoff - you might need it if there are any questions about your separation.
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