If I get let go can I get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
My manager has been hinting that layoffs might be coming to our department in the next few weeks. I've never filed for unemployment before and honestly have no idea how any of this works. If I do get let go, am I automatically eligible for NYS Department of Labor benefits? I've been working at this company for about 2 years full-time. What do I need to do to apply and how long does it usually take to start getting payments? Really stressed about this whole situation.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
If you're laid off through no fault of your own, you should be eligible for unemployment benefits. You'll need to file your claim online through my.ny.gov as soon as possible after your last day of work. The key requirements are that you worked enough quarters to establish a claim and that you're able and available for work. Since you've been working full-time for 2 years, you should definitely meet the work history requirement.
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Oliver Wagner
•Thanks! Do I need to wait until my actual last day to file or can I do it beforehand if I know the date?
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Javier Mendoza
Don't file until after your last day of work! I made that mistake and it delayed my whole claim. You need to be unemployed when you file. Also make sure you have all your employment info ready - social security number, employer details, dates of employment, reason for separation. The NYS Department of Labor system will ask for all of this.
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Emma Thompson
•Yeah definitely wait until after your last day. And keep any paperwork they give you about the layoff - it helps if there are any questions later.
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Malik Davis
ugh the whole process is such a pain honestly. I got laid off last year and it took WEEKS to get my first payment because they kept asking for more documentation. Make sure you answer all their questions exactly right the first time or you'll end up in adjudication hell like I did.
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Oliver Wagner
•What kind of documentation did they ask for? I want to make sure I have everything ready.
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Malik Davis
•They wanted pay stubs, my separation notice, and then randomly asked me to verify my identity like 3 weeks later. Just be prepared for anything honestly.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status or resolve any issues, I used a service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't get anyone on the phone.
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Isabella Santos
•How much does something like that cost though? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at the agency you're trying to get benefits from.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•I thought the same thing at first, but when you're stressed about bills and can't get through after calling 50+ times, it was worth it for the peace of mind. The video demo explains everything if you want to see how it works first.
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Emma Thompson
Once you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Don't forget to do this even if your claim is still pending - you can lose weeks of benefits if you don't certify.
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