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Just got laid off - how soon can I file for ny unemployment?

My company just let me go yesterday due to budget cuts. I've never filed for unemployment before and have no idea where to start. Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before I can apply for benefits? Should I do it online or call someone? Also wondering how long it usually takes for the first payment to come through since I need to pay rent in 3 weeks. Any advice would be really helpful.

File ASAP! Don't wait. You can apply on the NY unemployment website right away. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll get paid. There's a one week waiting period before benefits start accruing after you're approved, so that's already built in. Just make sure you have all your employment info handy when you apply.

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Thanks! Do you know roughly how long it takes to get approved after filing?

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It varies tbh. Could be a week, could be a month if there's any issues with your claim. Make sure you answer everything correctly the first time to avoid delays.

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Mine took 6 weeks to get approved last year and I had to call like 50 times 🤦‍♀️ the system is so broken

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I was stuck in application limbo for weeks until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was skeptical at first but they got me a callback with an actual human at unemployment. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked within days - it was the only way I could talk to a live person! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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Sounds like a scam. Why would anyone pay for something the govt should provide for free?

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Not a scam at all. Have you tried calling NY unemployment? It's literally impossible to get through. I spent weeks trying before using Claimyr. Best decision I ever made when I needed my money.

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wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just another unemployment 'hack' that never works? 🤔

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Yeah it works. They basically wait on hold for you and then call you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of frustration and my claim got fixed right away.

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Definitely file online! The phone system is a nightmare - I tried calling for 2 weeks straight and never got through. The website is way easier, just have your employment history, social security number, and banking info ready. And make sure to claim your weekly benefits every week after you apply, even if you haven't been approved yet.

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Look I'm gonna be real with you - the NY unemployment system is a total dumpster fire 🔥 Apply online immediately, but be prepared for a long frustrating process. Document EVERYTHING, take screenshots of confirmations, and note down any confirmation numbers. You'll probably need to call them at some point because something will go wrong, it always does.

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^^^ THIS!!! Facts. Take screenshots of EVERYTHING. I got denied because they said I didn't submit something I definitely submitted.

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The system is working exactly as designed... making it hard to claim what you're entitled to 🙄

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I had to deal with this 4 months ago. Here's what I wish someone had told me: - File online immediately, don't wait - The website works better late at night when fewer people are using it - Have your last 18 months of employment info ready - If your claim has ANY unusual circumstances (multiple employers, worked in different states, etc), you'll likely get flagged for review - When that happens, you NEED to talk to a human - Getting through on the phone is nearly impossible conventionally - I finally used claimyr.com after weeks of trying - they got me a callback with a real agent who fixed my claim in minutes - Once approved, payments usually hit your account within 2-3 business days if you set up direct deposit - Make SURE you certify every single week, even before approval Honestly, the worst part is the uncertainty. Just stay on top of it, document everything, and don't give up. And if you get stuck, seriously consider using Claimyr - was absolutely worth it to finally get my money flowing.

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This is super helpful, thanks for the detailed breakdown!

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what's claimyr? never heard of it

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It's a service that calls unemployment for you and waits on hold, then connects you when a human answers. Saved me from losing my mind trying to get through.

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LOL good luck even getting into the website. It crashes every other day, especially during peak hours.

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One thing nobody mentioned - if your employer contests your unemployment claim, it can take WAY longer. Make sure you're truthful about why you were let go. If you say you were laid off but your employer says you were fired for cause, you'll be in for a whole investigation process.

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Happened to me! My boss tried to say I quit when I was def laid off. took 3 months to sort out 😡

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They gave me a letter saying I was laid off due to budget cuts, so hopefully that helps if there's any question about it.

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Smart! Keep that letter safe. Take a picture of it too just in case.

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I've been on both sides of this (as a claimant and as someone who processed claims). One tip: When certifying weekly, answer the questions EXACTLY as asked. If you overthink or try to explain too much, you'll get flagged for review and it'll delay everything.

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Just an heads up they gonna make you verify your identity through a system called ID.me and its a total nightmare. Make sure your phone number and address are up to date everywhere or you'll get stuck in verification hell.

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ID.me is THE WORST. Took me like 7 tries to get through it.

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pro tip: use chrome for ID.me verification. It doesn't work right on safari or firefox

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i got laid off in september and still havent seen a penny. system is broken af

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Have you been able to talk to anyone? That's way too long!

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nope. cant get through on the phone and my online account just says pending forever

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You should try claimyr.com - they'll get you through to an agent who can tell you what's going on with your claim. That's what worked for me after being stuck for weeks.

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Apply right away and make sure to select direct deposit unless you want to wait for a debit card to arrive in the mail (which can take forever). And be ready for them to ask for more documentation even after you submit everything - they love to make you jump through extra hoops.

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remember to certify EVERY WEEK! even while ur waiting for approval. i messed this up and lost out on like $1800 because i didnt realize i had to keep certifying during the pending period 😭

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Same thing happened to me! such bs that they don't make this more clear

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Thank you! I definitely would have made this mistake

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