How to file for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor application process confused me
I got laid off from my warehouse job last week and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment but I have no idea where to start. I went to the NYS Department of Labor website but there's so many different links and I'm not sure which one is the right application. Do I need to call them first or can I just apply online? Also wondering if I need to bring any paperwork or if everything can be done digitally. Really stressed about this whole process and don't want to mess anything up since I need the money coming in.
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Lincoln Ramiro
You can file completely online through the my.ny.gov portal. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. The process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number and should receive a determination letter within 2-3 weeks.
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Henrietta Beasley
•Thanks! Do I need exact dates or can I estimate? I worked a few different temp jobs before this warehouse position.
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Faith Kingston
Make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before benefits start. You also need to be actively looking for work and keeping a job search log. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 work search activities per week which can include applying for jobs, networking, or attending job fairs.
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Emma Johnson
•Wait I thought the waiting week was eliminated? I filed last year and got paid right away.
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Faith Kingston
•You're right, the waiting week was waived during COVID but I think it might be back now. Better to check the current rules on the NYS Department of Labor site.
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Liam Brown
honestly the whole system is a nightmare to navigate. took me three tries to get my application submitted correctly because the website kept timing out. and dont even get me started on trying to call them - you'll be on hold for hours just to get disconnected
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Olivia Garcia
•Same experience here! The phone system is completely broken.
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Noah Lee
I had a really hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Someone on here recommended this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to real agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to call on my own.
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Henrietta Beasley
•Is that legit? Seems too good to be true if the phone lines are really that bad.
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Noah Lee
•Yeah it's real, they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. Was skeptical at first but it actually worked when I needed to check on my claim status.
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Ava Hernandez
just apply online and file your weekly claims every week no matter what. even if your claim is pending or in adjudication you need to keep certifying or you'll lose those weeks of benefits
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