How to apply for temporary unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm working as a seasonal landscaper and my employer just told me they're laying everyone off for the winter months but plan to hire us back in spring. I've never applied for unemployment before and I'm not sure if this counts as temporary unemployment or regular unemployment? Do I need to do anything special when applying through NYS Department of Labor since it's just for a few months? Also worried about the job search requirements - do I have to look for other work if my employer wants me back? Any help would be appreciated!
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Chloe Robinson
You'll file a regular unemployment claim through ny.gov, there's no separate 'temporary' application. Your seasonal layoff definitely qualifies for benefits. When you file, make sure to mention that you have a definite return date with your employer - this might put you on 'standby' status which means reduced job search requirements. You'll still need to file weekly claims even if you're not actively searching for other work.
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Omar Hassan
•Thanks! What exactly does standby status mean? Do I still have to register with the job center or do the work search activities?
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Diego Chavez
I was in the exact same situation last year with construction work. Filed my claim online and it was pretty straightforward. The key thing is when they ask about your separation reason, select 'temporary layoff' and mention your expected return date. You might get a letter asking for more details from your employer, but that's normal. Took about 2 weeks to get my first payment.
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NeonNebula
•Did you have to do the job search requirements or were you exempt because of the temporary layoff?
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Diego Chavez
•I was put on standby so I only had to do one job contact per week instead of the usual three. But you still have to register with the job center and file weekly claims.
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Anastasia Kozlov
Just make sure your employer files the separation notice correctly! My boss messed up the paperwork last time and it delayed my benefits for weeks. NYS Department of Labor kept asking for clarification about whether I was actually laid off or if I quit. Such a hassle trying to get through to someone on the phone to explain the situation.
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Sean Kelly
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I recently used this service called claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call and getting busy signals or hung up on.
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Zara Mirza
wait so if i know im going back to the same job do i even need to apply for unemployment?? seems like a lot of paperwork for a temporary thing
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Chloe Robinson
•Yes, you absolutely should apply! You're entitled to benefits for any weeks you're unemployed, even if it's temporary. That's money you've paid into the system through your paychecks.
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Luca Russo
Just applied for mine yesterday for the same reason (seasonal retail). The online application asks if you expect to return to the same employer and when. I put my expected return date as March 2025. Pretty sure this helps with the job search stuff but won't know for sure until I get my determination letter.
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Chloe Martin
I went through this exact same process two years ago when I was doing seasonal work at a ski resort. One thing I'd add is to keep documentation from your employer about the expected return date - like an email or letter stating when they plan to bring you back. NYS DOL sometimes requests this as proof that it's truly a temporary layoff. Also, even on standby status, you'll still need to certify weekly that you're able and available to work. The good news is seasonal layoffs are super common and the system is set up to handle them pretty smoothly once you get the initial application done.
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