How long does it take to file unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor?
I'm about to lose my job next week and need to know how long the actual filing process takes with NYS Department of Labor. Like from start to finish, how much time should I set aside to complete the initial application? I've heard some people say it takes hours and others say it's quick. Also wondering how long before I'd see any money if approved. Really stressed about timing since I have bills due soon.
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Paloma Clark
The online application through my.ny.gov usually takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the past 18 months including employer addresses and dates, and your bank account info for direct deposit. The actual filing is pretty straightforward but gathering all the documents beforehand is what takes time.
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Evelyn Kelly
•Thanks! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employer info? And what if I don't remember exact start dates from like a year ago?
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Heather Tyson
filed mine last month took maybe 20 minutes but i had everything saved on my computer already. the hard part is getting through to someone if theres issues with your claim
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Raul Neal
Once you submit your initial claim, NYS Department of Labor typically processes it within 2-3 business days if there are no issues requiring adjudication. However, you won't receive payment until you complete your first weekly claim certification, which you can do the Sunday after your claim is filed. First payment usually arrives 2-3 days after your weekly claim is processed, assuming direct deposit.
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Evelyn Kelly
•So if I file on Monday, I could potentially see money by the following week?
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Raul Neal
•Potentially yes, but only if your claim doesn't go into adjudication. If NYS Department of Labor needs to verify anything about your separation from work, it can take several weeks longer.
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Jenna Sloan
OMG this is exactly what I needed to know too! I'm terrified I'm going to mess something up on the application. What happens if you make a mistake? Can you go back and fix it or do you have to start over completely? Also really worried about the job search requirements - do they make you start looking for work immediately?
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Paloma Clark
•You can usually fix minor errors by calling NYS Department of Labor or through your online account. For job search, you typically have a one-week waiting period before the requirements kick in, but start looking right away anyway.
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Christian Burns
Had a nightmare experience trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Spent hours on hold just to get hung up on. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was way less stressful than the endless calling.
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Heather Tyson
•never heard of that but might be worth it if you cant get through the regular way
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Evelyn Kelly
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.
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Christian Burns
•Much cheaper than missing weeks of benefits because you can't reach anyone. Plus they focus on getting you connected rather than just selling you something.
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Sasha Reese
The whole system is a joke honestly. They make it seem simple but then half the people end up in adjudication hell for weeks or months. And don't get me started on the job search requirements - you have to apply to THREE jobs every week and log everything. It's like they want to make it as difficult as possible to actually get benefits you've paid into.
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Muhammad Hobbs
•I feel you on the frustration but the job search requirement is actually reasonable - it's only 3 jobs per week and helps people get back to work faster.
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Muhammad Hobbs
To answer your original question more directly - plan for about an hour total including gathering documents. The form itself is maybe 20-30 minutes but you'll want to double-check everything before submitting. And file as soon as possible after your last day of work, don't wait!
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