If I was laid off can I collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
Got laid off from my warehouse job last Friday due to company downsizing. Manager said it wasn't performance related, just budget cuts. I've never filed for unemployment before and don't really know how this works. Can I actually collect benefits if I was laid off? What do I need to do to start the process with NYS Department of Labor? Really stressed about paying rent next month.
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Andre Moreau
Yes, being laid off due to downsizing typically qualifies you for unemployment benefits! You should file your claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period. Go to labor.ny.gov and look for the unemployment services section. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked.
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QuantumQuester
•Thank you! Do I need any paperwork from my employer or will NYS Department of Labor contact them directly?
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Zoe Stavros
same thing happened to me in october, filed online and got approved pretty quick since layoffs are usually straightforward
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Jamal Harris
Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed. Missing a week can cause delays. Also start keeping a job search log immediately - you'll need to show you're actively looking for work to continue receiving benefits.
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Mei Chen
•How many jobs do you have to apply to each week? I heard different numbers from different people.
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Jamal Harris
•It's three work search activities per week in New York. Can be job applications, interviews, networking events, or career fairs. Keep detailed records with dates and employer info.
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Liam Sullivan
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to speak with someone about my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call myself.
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QuantumQuester
•Is that legit? Seems weird to use a third party service for government stuff.
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Liam Sullivan
•I was skeptical too but it worked. They just help you get through the phone system, you still talk directly to the NYS Department of Labor agent yourself.
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Amara Okafor
The unemployment system in this state is a joke honestly. Even when you qualify they make you jump through so many hoops and the website crashes half the time. But yeah if you got laid off through no fault of your own you should definitely qualify.
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CosmicCommander
Just went through this myself. Make sure you have your last day of work accurate when you file - I put the wrong date initially and it caused issues with my claim timing.
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QuantumQuester
•Good point, my last day was actually Thursday but I got the notice Friday. Should I use Thursday as my last work date?
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CosmicCommander
•Yes use Thursday, the actual last day you worked and got paid, not when you got the layoff notice.
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