How to get accepted for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor application tips needed
I'm about to file for unemployment benefits for the first time and honestly have no idea what I'm doing. Just got laid off from my job at a retail chain after 2 years and heard the process can be really complicated. What do I need to do to make sure my claim gets accepted by NYS Department of Labor? Are there specific things I should include or avoid saying when I file? Really don't want to mess this up and get denied.
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Giovanni Moretti
The key is being completely honest and having all your employment information ready before you start. You'll need your Social Security number, previous employer details (name, address, dates of employment), and your reason for separation. For a layoff, that's usually straightforward - just explain it was due to lack of work or company downsizing. Make sure you file as soon as possible after your last day of work since there's a waiting week anyway.
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AstroExplorer
•Thanks! Do I need any documents from my employer or can I just use my final paystub?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
File online through my.ny.gov - it's way easier than calling. The system will walk you through everything step by step. Just answer all questions truthfully about why you lost your job. Since you were laid off (not fired for misconduct), you should be fine as long as you meet the work requirements. You need to have worked at least 2 quarters in your base period and earned enough wages.
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Dylan Cooper
ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i tried filing last month and got denied because apparently i didn't work enough hours or something even though i had a job for over a year. now i have to appeal and its taking forever. make sure you understand the wage requirements before you even bother filing
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Giovanni Moretti
•The wage requirements can be tricky - you need to have earned at least $2,800 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter amount. If you were part-time or had gaps in employment, that might explain the denial.
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Sofia Perez
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my application. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through, they'd hang up after being on hold for an hour. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to check on my adjudication status.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Interesting, never heard of that. Did it actually work for you? I've been trying to reach someone for weeks about my claim.
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ElectricDreamer
same boat as you - just got laid off last week from my restaurant job. was planning to file this weekend. good to know about filing online, i was dreading having to call
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Ava Johnson
Most important thing is to keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still pending! I made that mistake and it delayed my benefits by weeks. Also start your job search right away and keep a log because they'll ask about it during your weekly certifications.
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AstroExplorer
•Wait, I have to look for jobs right away? Even while my claim is still being processed?
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Giovanni Moretti
•Yes, you need to be actively searching for work to remain eligible. NYS requires at least 3 job search activities per week. Keep detailed records because they can audit your search activities at any time.
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