How long do you have to file for unemployment after losing your job in NY?

You should file as soon as possible after losing your job. While there's no specific deadline like 30 days or anything, the longer you wait the more complicated it gets. NYS Department of Labor can only backdate your claim up to 4 weeks from when you actually file, so if you wait too long you'll lose those weeks of benefits permanently. The key thing is your effective date starts from when you file, not when you lost your job.

You're not too late! In New York, you can file for unemployment benefits up to 1 year after your job loss, but there's a catch - you can only get benefits going back one week before you actually file your claim. So the sooner you file, the better. Three weeks isn't bad at all, I've seen people wait months and still get approved. The key is to file your initial claim ASAP and then start doing your weekly certifications.

Actually you CAN get benefits for that first week through backdating, but you have to specifically request it when you file and have a good reason for the delay. Being confused about the process usually counts as good cause. The 4-week limit the previous poster mentioned is correct though - NYS Department of Labor won't backdate beyond that no matter what your reason is. I'd suggest calling them at 888-209-8124 while you're filing online to make sure the backdating gets processed correctly.

Yeah you can file anytime within a year but like the other person said, you only get paid from when you file forward, not backward to when you lost the job. I made this same mistake and lost about 6 weeks of benefits because I waited. Go to the NYS Department of Labor website and file online, it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started.

Three weeks is nothing, don't stress about it. I waited almost 2 months because I was too proud and thought I'd find something fast. Biggest financial mistake I made that year. The NYS Department of Labor system is actually pretty user-friendly now, way better than it used to be. You'll need your last employer's info, your social security number, and some basic employment history. Takes maybe 20-30 minutes to complete the initial application.

honestly the whole system is designed to screw you over... they make it confusing on purpose so people miss deadlines and don't get what they deserve. I waited like 2 weeks to file because I thought I might get called back and lost those benefits forever. NYS Department of Labor doesn't care about working people at all

File immediately! And here's a pro tip - if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status or ask questions, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was stuck on hold for hours trying to get through the normal way, but this got me connected in like 15 minutes. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

just file asap dont overthink it

Don't beat yourself up about waiting three weeks, happens to everyone. The important thing is you're filing now. Make sure you keep track of all your job search activities from this point forward because NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work and keep records. You'll need to certify that you're looking for work when you file your weekly claims.

To give you the complete picture: file your initial claim as soon as possible after losing your job, request backdating for any weeks you qualify for within the 4-week window, and make sure you understand that your waiting week still applies. Even if you backdate, you typically won't get paid for the first week of unemployment - that's just how the system works. The important thing is getting your claim in the system so you can start the weekly certification process.