How long until you can claim unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got let go from my job yesterday due to company downsizing and I'm wondering how long I need to wait before I can file for unemployment benefits? Is there a waiting period or can I apply right away? I've never been in this situation before and I'm stressed about my bills coming up. Also not sure if it matters but I worked there for about 8 months. Anyone know the process for NYS Department of Labor claims?
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Leo Simmons
You can file your claim immediately - there's no waiting period to apply for unemployment benefits in NY. Actually, you should file as soon as possible because your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you lost your job. Go to my.ny.gov and complete the application. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank info if you want direct deposit.
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Lilly Curtis
•Thanks! That's a relief. Do I need any specific documents from my employer or can I just use my last paystub?
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Lindsey Fry
yeah file right away but just so you know there IS a waiting week where you won't get paid for the first week even if you're approved. so don't expect money immediately
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Saleem Vaziri
•Actually, New York eliminated the waiting week back in 2021. You can get paid for your first week of unemployment if your claim is approved. The person above might be thinking of old rules or a different state.
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Kayla Morgan
I filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for approval. It's been stuck in adjudication this whole time and I can't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to find out what's happening. The phone lines are always busy and the callback system never works. This is so frustrating when you're already stressed about money.
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James Maki
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor. After weeks of trying their phone system, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent within like 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. It was a lifesaver because I needed to resolve an issue with my job search log verification.
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Kayla Morgan
•Interesting, I might have to check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers about my claim status.
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Jasmine Hancock
File immediately but make sure you have all your employment info ready. They'll ask for wages and dates for every job you had in the last 18 months. If you're missing info it can delay your claim. Also start looking for work right away because you'll need to certify that you're actively job searching when you file your weekly claims.
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Lilly Curtis
•Good point about the job search thing. How many jobs do I need to apply to per week? I heard it was 3 but I'm not sure if that's current.
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Jasmine Hancock
•It's 3 job contacts per week in New York. You need to keep a log of where you applied, when, and what type of contact it was. They can ask to see this log at any time.
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Cole Roush
Just want to say good luck! Being laid off is tough but at least NY has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states. The process can be slow sometimes but hang in there.
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