How to file for temporary unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - need guidance
I just found out my company is shutting down operations for 6-8 weeks due to equipment repairs and they told us we can file for temporary unemployment. I've never done this before and I'm not sure where to start with the NYS Department of Labor system. Do I file the same way as regular unemployment? Will I need to do job searches if it's just temporary? My supervisor said something about 'standby status' but I don't really understand what that means. Any help would be appreciated!
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Alexis Renard
Yes, you file through the same NYS Department of Labor system at my.ny.gov. For temporary layoffs, you'll likely qualify for standby status which means you don't have to actively search for work since you have a definite return date. When you file your initial claim, make sure to indicate this is a temporary layoff with an expected recall date.
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Brianna Schmidt
•Thank you! So I use the regular unemployment application but just mention it's temporary? Do I need any documentation from my employer about the return date?
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Camila Jordan
had the same thing happen last year when our factory had to shut down for renovations. standby status is great because you dont have to waste time applying to jobs you dont want. just make sure your employer gives you something in writing about when youll be called back
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Brianna Schmidt
•Good point about getting it in writing. I'll ask HR for a letter with the expected return date.
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Tyler Lefleur
The key thing with temporary unemployment and standby status is that you still need to file your weekly claims every week, even though you're not job searching. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to certify that you're ready and available to return when called back. I've helped several people through this process - if you're having trouble reaching someone at the department to confirm your standby status, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can help you get through to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Madeline Blaze
•interesting, never heard of that service before. is it legit or just another scam?
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Tyler Lefleur
•It's legitimate - they basically help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual person at NYS Department of Labor. Really helpful when you need to clarify something specific about your claim status.
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Max Knight
Wait I'm confused about something - if the company is doing equipment repairs, wouldn't that be considered a business closure rather than a layoff? I thought standby was only for seasonal workers or specific recall situations??
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Alexis Renard
•No, standby status applies to any temporary separation where there's a definite return-to-work date within a reasonable timeframe. Equipment repairs that require facility shutdown definitely qualify as long as the employer can provide an expected recall date.
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Emma Swift
just wanted to say good luck with everything! temporary layoffs are stressful even when you know you'll be back
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Olivia Martinez
I went through this exact situation a few months ago when my workplace had to close for facility upgrades. One thing I'd add is to file your claim as soon as possible - don't wait until your last day of work. You can typically file the Sunday before your layoff begins. Also, when you're filling out the application, there should be a specific question about whether you expect to return to work - make sure to answer "yes" and include the approximate date your employer gave you. This helps ensure you get standby status right away instead of having to call and sort it out later. The whole process was much smoother than I expected!
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