How to collect unemployment NYC - complete process breakdown needed
I just got laid off from my marketing job in Manhattan and I'm completely lost on how to collect unemployment here in NYC. I've never filed for benefits before and the NYS Department of Labor website is overwhelming. Can someone walk me through the actual process step by step? What documents do I need and how long does it typically take to get approved? I'm stressed about making rent next month and need to get this started ASAP.
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Sofia Rodriguez
The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps. First, go to labor.ny.gov and create an account if you don't have one. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. Make sure you have your most recent pay stub too. File your initial claim online - it takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. After that, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits.
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NightOwl42
•Thanks! Do I need to wait for anything before I can start filing weekly claims or can I do that right after the initial application?
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Dmitry Ivanov
You should file your claim ASAP because there's a one week waiting period before benefits start. In NYC the maximum weekly benefit is $504 but it depends on what you earned in your base period. The NYS Department of Labor will calculate your benefit amount based on your highest quarter of earnings. Most people get approved within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with their claim.
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Ava Thompson
•Wait I thought the waiting period was eliminated? I filed last year and got paid for my first week.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•You're right, they did eliminate the waiting week! My info was outdated, thanks for the correction.
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Miguel Herrera
ugh the whole system is such a nightmare honestly. took me forever to get through when i had issues with my claim last year. the phone lines are always busy and you get disconnected constantly. but yeah definitely file online first and keep trying if you run into problems
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Zainab Ali
•If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor by phone, I actually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this system that calls for you and connects you when someone picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Connor Murphy
Don't forget about the job search requirement! You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. You can do this through the NYS Department of Labor jobs website or other approved methods. They don't always check but if they do audit you and you don't have proper documentation, you could lose benefits.
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NightOwl42
•Good point! What counts as a valid job search contact? Just applying to jobs or does networking count too?
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Connor Murphy
•Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, and even some online career workshops count. Just make sure you document everything with dates and contact info.
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Yara Nassar
same boat here got let go from my restaurant job in queens last month. the online application wasnt too bad just make sure you have all your employer info ready. mine got approved pretty quick but i know some people get stuck in adjudication for weeks
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