How soon do I have to apply for unemployment after losing my job in NY?
Just got let go from my warehouse job yesterday and I'm trying to figure out the timing for filing my unemployment claim. I know there's some kind of deadline but I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website. Do I need to apply immediately or do I have a few weeks? Also worried about whether waiting might affect my back pay. Anyone know the actual timeframe for NY unemployment applications?
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Alejandro Castro
You should file as soon as possible, but you have up to one year from when you became unemployed to file your initial claim. However, your benefits can only be backdated to the week you actually file, so waiting costs you money. The NYS Department of Labor recommends filing within the first week of unemployment to avoid losing any potential benefits.
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Maggie Martinez
•Thanks! So if I file today I can get benefits starting from this week? Do I need any specific documents ready before I start the application?
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Monique Byrd
yeah i waited like 3 weeks to file mine and lost out on those first weeks of payments... they dont backdate to when you lost your job only to when you file the claim
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Jackie Martinez
•Wait really? I thought they could backdate it if you had a good reason for the delay. That seems unfair if you didn't know about the deadline!
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Lia Quinn
The sooner the better is the rule. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your most recent pay stub. The NYS Department of Labor online system is usually the fastest way to file. Don't wait thinking you might find another job quickly - you can always stop claiming if you get hired.
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Maggie Martinez
•Good point about not waiting for another job. I'll gather those documents and file tonight. The online system works pretty well?
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Lia Quinn
•Usually yes, though it can be slow during peak times. If you get stuck, there's a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to NYS Department of Labor agents by phone - check out claimyr.com and their video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI if you run into issues.
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Haley Stokes
I'm in the same boat, got laid off two days ago and still trying to process everything. This is my first time dealing with unemployment so I'm nervous about messing up the application somehow.
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Alejandro Castro
•The application is pretty straightforward, just take your time and answer honestly. If you make a mistake you can usually clarify it later. The important thing is getting it filed soon.
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Asher Levin
ONE YEAR deadline but you lose weeks if you wait!! This is exactly the kind of important info the NYS Department of Labor should make more obvious on their website instead of burying it in FAQ sections.
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Serene Snow
•totally agree the website is confusing
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GalacticGuardian
Just went through this process last month after my retail job ended. Filed my claim on day 3 after losing my job and it went smoothly through the online portal. One tip - make sure you have your employer's federal tax ID number if possible, it speeds up the verification process. Also keep records of your job search activities from day one since you'll need to certify weekly that you're actively looking for work. The whole system becomes routine once you get the hang of it.
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