How to file for unemployment after being fired - NYS Department of Labor process?
Got terminated from my retail job yesterday and I'm completely lost on what to do next. My manager said it was due to performance issues but I think it was really because I called out sick twice last month. Either way, I need to figure out how to file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I've never done this before and don't even know where to start. Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before applying? What documents do I need? Will being fired disqualify me automatically? Really stressed about paying rent next month.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
You can file your claim immediately - don't wait! Go to my.ny.gov and create an account to file online. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and gross wages. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you, but NYS Department of Labor will investigate if your employer contests the claim.
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Layla Mendes
•Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or will they get that info from my employer?
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•Having your pay stubs helps but isn't required. NYS Department of Labor will verify wages with employers directly.
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Aria Park
same thing happened to me last year, the whole process was confusing at first but you just gotta start the application
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Layla Mendes
•How long did it take to get approved? I'm really worried about the money situation.
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Noah Ali
File ASAP because there's a waiting week before benefits start. If your employer claims you were fired for misconduct, you'll go into adjudication which can take several weeks. Make sure you're honest about the termination reason when filing - if they find out you lied it's automatic disqualification. Also start your job search right away because you need to make 3 work search contacts per week.
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Chloe Boulanger
•Wait, I thought it was just one job contact per week for the work search requirement?
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Noah Ali
•No, it's 3 contacts per week in New York. You need to log them in your job search record.
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James Martinez
I had SO much trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks. Calling their phone number was impossible - always busy or I'd get disconnected after waiting an hour. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much stress and got my claim moving again.
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Layla Mendes
•That sounds too good to be true - how much does something like that cost?
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James Martinez
•I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't mention pricing upfront but honestly it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim.
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Olivia Harris
The NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare honestly. They make it so hard to get benefits even when you deserve them. I got fired from my last job for 'attendance issues' which was total BS and had to fight for months to get my benefits. Good luck dealing with their bureaucracy.
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Alexander Zeus
•I feel you on the frustration but don't let that discourage you from filing. The system works for most people, just takes patience.
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