How to fill out NYS Department of Labor unemployment application - need step by step help

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, reason for separation), and your most recent pay stub. Start at my.ny.gov and create an account if you don't have one. The application will ask for your personal info first, then employment history, then reason for unemployment. Take your time with the employment section - accuracy is crucial for NYS Department of Labor to process your claim properly.

yes include ALL jobs even part time ones, nys department of labor needs complete work history to calculate your benefit amount correctly

The trickiest part is the reason for separation section. Be very specific about why you were laid off - if it was due to lack of work, budget cuts, company restructuring, etc. Don't just put 'laid off' because NYS Department of Labor might need clarification later. Also make sure you have your employer's federal tax ID number if possible, it speeds up the verification process.

I struggled with contacting NYS Department of Labor when I had questions during my application process. Kept getting busy signals and dropped calls. Eventually found claimyr.com which helped me get through to an actual agent who walked me through the confusing parts of my application. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me from making errors that could have delayed my benefits.

ugh the whole unemployment system is so confusing!! I remember when I first applied I kept second-guessing every answer and it took me like 3 hours to complete because I kept going back and changing things. Just stick with your first instinct and be honest about everything.

One more important tip - after you submit your initial application, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. The system will prompt you to do this, but don't forget or you'll miss payments. Also, you'll need to register for work search activities through the NYS Department of Labor job search system.