How to file for unemployment NYS Department of Labor - NYC resident needs help with process

You'll need to file through the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. Go to the unemployment services section and create an account on their online system. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment. Make sure you file as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.

The online filing system walks you through everything step by step. You'll answer questions about why you lost your job, your work history, and availability for work. After you submit your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. The system will tell you when your weekly claim is due.

I filed mine last month and it was pretty straightforward but the website can be slow sometimes. If you run into issues calling the NYS Department of Labor, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you 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 waiting on hold when I had questions about my claim status.

Whatever you do, make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you lost your job. If there's any discrepancy between what you say and what your employer reports, your claim could go into adjudication which can delay everything for weeks. I learned this the hard way!

Also make sure you're actively looking for work and keeping track of your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work and they might ask for documentation of your job search efforts.