How to fill unemployment form - NYS Department of Labor initial claim questions
I'm trying to complete my initial unemployment claim on the NYS Department of Labor website but I'm really confused about some of the questions. The form is asking about my last day worked, reason for separation, and weekly benefit amount but I'm not sure how to answer correctly. My employer laid me off two weeks ago but I had some vacation days that were paid out - do I count those as my last work day? Also there's a section about job search activities that I don't understand. Has anyone recently filled out the initial claim form and can walk me through the confusing parts?
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Connor Murphy
For your last day worked, use the actual last day you performed work duties, not when vacation pay was issued. The vacation payout is separate income that you'll report later. For the job search section during initial filing, you typically don't need to log activities yet - that starts after your claim is processed. Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready.
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QuantumQuest
•Thank you! So I should put my actual last work day as December 15th even though I got paid through December 29th for vacation?
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Yara Haddad
Yeah the NYS Department of Labor form can be tricky. I just filed mine last month. The key is being super accurate with dates and dollar amounts because they verify everything with your employer. Don't estimate - use exact figures from your pay stubs. Also when it asks about availability to work, make sure you select that you're able and available immediately.
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Keisha Robinson
•This is so important! I made the mistake of estimating my wages and it caused a delay in my claim processing.
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Paolo Conti
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my form. Kept getting busy signals for weeks. Someone here mentioned claimyr.com which helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it when I needed clarification about my separation reason and finally talked to someone who could help me complete the form correctly.
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QuantumQuest
•How long did it take to get through with that service? I've been trying the regular number for days.
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Paolo Conti
•It was way faster than calling directly. Got connected within an hour instead of spending all day redialing.
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Amina Sow
ugh this form is SO confusing!! why does the NYS Department of Labor make it so complicated??? I've started it like 3 times and keep getting different error messages. Do I really need ALL my employers from the past year and a half?? what if I can't remember exact start dates from my part time job last spring?
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Connor Murphy
•Yes, you need all employers from the base period. If you can't remember exact dates, check old tax documents, bank deposits, or contact the employer's HR department. Incomplete information will delay your claim.
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GalaxyGazer
Been through this process twice now with NYS Department of Labor. Pro tip - save your application as you go because the system times out. Also double check that your bank routing number is correct for direct deposit. I made a typo and had to wait weeks for a paper check.
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QuantumQuest
•Good point about saving! Is there a way to save a draft or do I need to complete it all at once?
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