Is it easy to apply for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I'm thinking about filing for unemployment but honestly have no idea what I'm getting into. Lost my job last week at a retail store and my friend said I should apply but didn't really explain the process. Is it easy to apply for unemployment through NYS Department of Labor or am I going to be dealing with a nightmare of paperwork and phone calls? I've heard mixed things about the my.ny.gov website and whether it actually works. Just want to know what to expect before I start this whole thing.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
The initial application through my.ny.gov is actually pretty straightforward - took me about 20 minutes when I filed last month. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your employer's information. The hardest part is making sure you have accurate dates and addresses for all your previous jobs. Once you submit the application, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually receive benefits.
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Layla Mendes
•That doesn't sound too bad. Do I need pay stubs or anything like that when I apply?
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Aria Park
yeah its not too hard but be prepared to wait forever if theres any issues with your claim... mine got stuck in adjudication for like 5 weeks and i couldnt get anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•Adjudication delays can definitely happen, especially if there are any questions about your separation from work or if you worked for multiple employers recently.
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Noah Ali
The application itself is easy enough, but make sure you understand the ongoing requirements. You'll need to complete job search activities each week and log them in the system. For most people that means applying to at least 3 jobs per week and keeping detailed records. Also, you must be able and available for work each week when you file your weekly claim.
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Layla Mendes
•Wait, I have to apply to 3 jobs every single week? That seems like a lot.
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Noah Ali
•Yes, it's part of the work search requirement. You can use the job search log in your my.ny.gov account to track your applications, interviews, and other approved activities.
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Chloe Boulanger
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when my claim got flagged for verification. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get my claim resolved.
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James Martinez
•Never heard of that before but honestly anything is better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.
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Olivia Harris
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! They make it seem easy to apply but then they find every excuse to delay or deny your claim. I've been fighting them for 3 months over a simple separation issue and still haven't received a penny. Don't get your hopes up that it'll be smooth sailing.
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Alexander Zeus
•Sorry you're going through that. What kind of separation issue are they questioning?
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Alexander Zeus
Just go ahead and apply - worst case scenario they deny you and you appeal. But you can't get benefits if you don't apply first. The my.ny.gov portal works fine most of the time, just avoid filing during peak hours on Sundays when everyone else is doing their weekly claims.
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