How many unemployment claims can you file with NYS Department of Labor in one year?
I'm really confused about the rules for filing multiple unemployment claims. I had a job from January to March, then got laid off and filed for UI benefits. Found another job in May but that only lasted until August when they had budget cuts. Now I'm unemployed again and wondering if I can file another claim with NYS Department of Labor or if there's some kind of limit? My friend said you can only file once per year but that doesn't sound right to me. Anyone know the actual rules about how many times you can apply for unemployment benefits?
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Aaliyah Reed
There's no annual limit on how many unemployment claims you can file with NYS Department of Labor. What matters is whether you have sufficient work history and wages in your base period for each new claim. Since you worked between your claims, you should be able to file a new initial claim. Just make sure you meet the minimum earnings requirements for the new benefit year.
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Daniel Rogers
AuthorThat's a relief! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between claims or can I file right away?
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Ella Russell
your friend is wrong about the once per year thing, i filed 3 different claims last year when i kept getting temp jobs that ended. each time they calculated my benefits based on my recent work history
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Mohammed Khan
The key thing to understand is the difference between a new initial claim and reopening an existing claim. If your previous claim expired or you exhausted all benefits, you'll file a new initial claim. If your claim is still active within the benefit year, you might just reopen it. You can check your claim status on the my.ny.gov website to see which situation applies to you.
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Gavin King
This is so confusing! How do you know if your claim expired? I thought once you found a job your claim automatically ended.
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Mohammed Khan
Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first filed, regardless of whether you're working. If you're still within that year and haven't used all your benefits, you can reopen. After the year ends, you need a new claim.
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Nathan Kim
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact situation last month. Kept getting busy signals and their online chat was always unavailable. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Turned out I could file a new claim right away since my benefit year had ended.
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Eleanor Foster
Never heard of that service before but might be worth trying since getting through to NYS Department of Labor is such a nightmare
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Lucas Turner
The system is SO broken!! I've filed like 5 claims in the past 2 years because employers keep hiring people temporarily then laying them off when contracts end. Each time NYS Department of Labor acts like it's some huge surprise that people need benefits multiple times. They should make the process easier for people in unstable job markets!
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Kai Rivera
Just remember you have to meet the work requirements each time - I think it's something like 2 quarters of work with minimum earnings. Don't quote me on the exact numbers though.
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Keisha Robinson
You're absolutely right to question your friend's advice! There's definitely no "once per year" limit on filing unemployment claims with NYS DOL. The main requirements are having enough qualifying wages and work history in your base period for each new claim. Since you worked between your unemployment periods, you should be eligible to file again. Just make sure to gather all your employment documentation from your most recent job before you apply. The process can be tedious but you have every right to file multiple claims if you meet the eligibility requirements each time.
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Natasha Orlova
Thanks for clearing that up! It's good to know there's no arbitrary yearly limit. I was really worried I might have to wait until next year to file again. Do you happen to know roughly how long the application process takes once you submit everything? My savings are running pretty low and I'm hoping to get benefits flowing soon.
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Isaac Wright
From my experience, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to get your first payment after filing, assuming there are no issues with your application. NYS DOL has to verify your employment history and wages, which can sometimes cause delays. Make sure you file your weekly certifications on time even while waiting for the initial decision - those weeks can be paid retroactively if you're approved. If you're really struggling financially, you might want to look into emergency assistance programs or food banks while waiting for benefits to start.
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Austin Leonard
The processing time can vary quite a bit unfortunately. In my experience it usually takes 2-3 weeks from when you submit your initial application to get your first determination letter, then another week or two before you actually receive your first payment if approved. However, if there are any issues with your application or they need additional documentation, it can take much longer. I'd recommend filing as soon as possible and making sure you have all your wage information from recent employers ready to avoid any delays. You can also check the status online through the my.ny.gov portal once you've submitted your claim.
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CosmicCowboy
Processing times can vary but typically you'll see your first payment within 2-3 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Make sure you have all your recent employment info ready - pay stubs, dates of employment, reason for separation. The key is being thorough with your application to avoid delays. Also don't forget you have to certify for benefits every week even while your claim is being processed. Hang in there!
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