How soon after being fired can you apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got terminated from my job yesterday afternoon and I'm trying to figure out when I can file for unemployment. My former employer said it was due to budget cuts but I'm worried they might contest it since there were some performance issues mentioned in my last review. Should I wait a few days or can I apply right away? I heard there might be a waiting period but I'm not sure if that's before you can apply or before you get paid. Really need to get this process started since I have rent due next week.
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Chloe Davis
You can apply immediately! There's no waiting period to file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor. The sooner you file, the better because your benefit year starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. Go to labor.ny.gov and start your application today. Even if your employer contests it, you should still file right away.
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Omar Farouk
•Thanks! I was worried I had to wait. Do I need any specific documents when I file or can I just start the application?
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AstroAlpha
File TODAY if possible. The key thing to understand is that your weekly benefit amount is calculated from your filing date, not your last day of work. If you wait even a week to file, you lose that week's potential benefits. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment.
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Diego Chavez
•This is so important! I waited 3 weeks to file after my layoff thinking I needed to 'settle' things with my employer first and lost out on those weeks of benefits. Don't make my mistake.
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Anastasia Smirnova
just to add - even if you think your employer might fight it, still file right away. worst case scenario you get denied and have to appeal, but if you don't file you definitely get nothing. the adjudication process can take a few weeks anyway so better to get in the queue asap
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Omar Farouk
•Good point about getting in the queue early. I'll definitely file today then.
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Sean O'Brien
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I was trying to check on my claim status after filing. Kept getting busy signals and disconnected calls. Finally used 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. Made such a difference when I needed to verify some information about my termination reason.
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Zara Shah
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.
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Sean O'Brien
•It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was definitely worth it since I was getting nowhere calling on my own and needed to get my claim moving.
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Luca Bianchi
File now! I was fired last month for 'performance issues' too and was worried about the same thing. Turned out my employer didn't even contest it. But even if they do, NYS Department of Labor will investigate and make a determination. In the meantime you can still receive benefits pending the decision.
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