How soon can I file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor after job loss?
My manager just told me Friday will be my last day due to company downsizing. I've never filed for unemployment before and I'm stressed about timing. Can I file my claim right away or do I need to wait? I heard there's something about a waiting period but I'm not sure if that means I can't apply immediately. I really need to get this process started as soon as possible since I have rent due next month.
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Malik Thomas
You can file your claim on the same day you lose your job or even the day before your last day of work. There's no waiting period to FILE the claim with NYS Department of Labor. The waiting week applies to when you receive benefits, not when you can apply. Make sure you have your employer information ready including their federal ID number and dates of employment.
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Emma Wilson
•Thank you! So I can literally file on Friday when I finish work? Do I need any specific documents from my employer or can I just use my pay stubs?
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Isabella Oliveira
File as soon as possible! I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I needed to and it just delayed everything. You'll need your Social Security number, employer's name and address, and your employment dates. The NYS Department of Labor website walks you through everything step by step.
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Ravi Kapoor
•This is so true - I waited thinking I had to be unemployed for a certain amount of time first and it was totally unnecessary
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Freya Larsen
I was in a similar situation last year and filed the day I got laid off. The key thing is that your claim starts from the week you file, not when you actually become unemployed. So definitely don't wait! If you're having trouble getting through on the phone to NYS Department of Labor, I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Emma Wilson
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money obviously.
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Freya Larsen
•It focuses on the value of actually reaching someone rather than cost. When you're dealing with potential delays in benefits, getting through to resolve issues quickly is worth it.
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GalacticGladiator
wait i thought there was a waiting week where you dont get paid?? im so confused about this whole process
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Malik Thomas
•You're thinking of the waiting week correctly - you don't get paid for your first week of unemployment. But that doesn't stop you from filing your initial claim immediately. You still need to file that first week even though you won't receive payment for it.
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Omar Zaki
THE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!!! Why can't they just make this simple - file when you lose your job, get money when you need it. Instead we have waiting weeks and adjudication and all this bureaucratic nonsense. Sorry OP but prepare yourself for a lot of frustration with NYS Department of Labor.
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Chloe Taylor
•I feel this so much, the whole process is needlessly complicated
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Ravi Kapoor
Quick tip - when you file online make sure you have a good internet connection and don't use your phone browser. The my.ny.gov site can be glitchy and you don't want to lose your application halfway through.
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