How long does NYS Department of Labor keep unemployment records on file?
I'm trying to figure out how long the NYS Department of Labor keeps unemployment claim records. I need documentation from a claim I filed about 6 years ago for a mortgage application, but I can't find anything in my current my.ny.gov account. Does anyone know if there's a limit on how long they maintain these records? I remember getting benefits but have no paperwork left from that time.
10 comments
Join the conversation
Kiara Greene
NYS Department of Labor typically maintains unemployment records for at least 6 years, sometimes longer depending on the type of record. For benefit payment history, you should be able to request documentation even for older claims. Try calling their records department directly or submitting a written request for historical benefit information.
0 coins
Isaiah Cross
•Thanks! Do you know if there's a specific form I need to fill out, or can I just call and request it?
0 coins
Evelyn Kelly
I had to get records from 4 years ago last year and they were able to provide them. The issue is actually reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to help you. I spent weeks trying to get through on the phone with no luck.
0 coins
Paloma Clark
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, you might want to check out Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help people get through to unemployment agents when the regular phone lines are jammed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim status.
0 coins
Evelyn Kelly
•That actually sounds really helpful, I'll look into that for next time I need to reach them.
0 coins
Heather Tyson
You can also try submitting a FOIL request (Freedom of Information Law) for your records if the normal channels don't work. It takes longer but they have to respond within a certain timeframe.
0 coins
Raul Neal
•FOIL seems like overkill for unemployment records? That's more for when agencies are being difficult about releasing information.
0 coins
Heather Tyson
•True, but sometimes it's the only way to get older records when they claim they can't find them in the regular system.
0 coins
Jenna Sloan
ugh the whole system is so frustrating... why dont they just keep everything online forever like every other service these days??
0 coins
Kiara Greene
•Storage costs and privacy regulations limit how long agencies can keep personal data accessible online. Six years is actually pretty standard for employment records.
0 coins