How late can I file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - missed deadline?
I got laid off from my retail job back in October but I've been putting off filing for unemployment because I thought I'd find something quickly. Now it's been almost 3 months and I'm getting desperate. I know there's probably a time limit for filing but I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website. Can I still file now or did I miss my chance completely? I really need to get some benefits while I keep looking for work.
10 comments
Join the conversation
Kiara Greene
You can still file! There's no hard deadline to apply for unemployment benefits in New York. However, you can only get benefits going back to when you actually file your claim, not retroactively to when you first became unemployed. So if you file today, your benefits would start from this week forward, not from October. The sooner you file the better.
0 coins
Isaiah Cross
•Oh thank god! I was so worried I completely screwed myself over. So I won't get any money for the months I waited but at least I can start getting something now?
0 coins
Evelyn Kelly
Just go to the my.ny.gov website and start your application right away. The process takes about 30-45 minutes and you'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. Don't wait any longer - every day you delay is money you're losing.
0 coins
Paloma Clark
•This is correct. I made the same mistake and waited 6 weeks after my layoff. Lost out on about $2400 in benefits that I could never get back.
0 coins
Heather Tyson
wait why didnt anyone tell me this when i got fired??? i waited like 2 months too thinking there was some waiting period or something. this system is so confusing
0 coins
Kiara Greene
•A lot of people don't realize this. There's no waiting period to APPLY, just a one-week waiting period before you start receiving payments after your claim is approved.
0 coins
Raul Neal
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone when I needed to check on my claim status after filing. If you run into the same issue, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
0 coins
Isaiah Cross
•Is that like a paid service? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment in the first place lol
0 coins
Raul Neal
•It's just for getting through to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor when the lines are busy. Might be worth it if you run into issues with your claim.
0 coins
Jenna Sloan
File immediately but be prepared for potential delays in processing since it's been so long since your separation date. They might need additional verification or documentation to confirm your employment history and reason for leaving.
0 coins