Last day at work was today - confused about ny unemployment application process

Apply immediately!!! Dont wait. Theres always delays with ny unemployment so better to get in the system asap. Make sure you have ur last paystub, social security card, ID, and bank account info for direct deposit. The website is a nightmare but just take it slow and fill out everything correctly the first time. good luck!

After my factory shut down in August, I couldn't get through to anyone at unemployment for weeks. Calls would drop after hours on hold. Super frustrating! Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me a callback from an actual agent. Talking to that agent got my benefits released like 10x faster than just waiting around. It was the only way I could get a human on the phone to fix my claim. Check out their explanation video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

File ASAP! Your claim will be backdated to when you first apply, not when you lost your job. I waited 2 weeks after losing my job to apply and lost out on those 2 weeks of benefits. Don't make my mistake!!

Theres a one week waiting period for NY unemployment benefits anyway, so you wont get paid for the first week after you apply. Make sure when you certify weekly that you report ANY income you receive (including severance or paid time off they cash out). If your company is doing mass layoffs, make sure you get the proper paperwork from HR to submit with your claim.

I just went thru this when my resturant closed in october! heres what you need to know: 1) Apply online asap - dont wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner benefits start 2) Have ready: last paystub, employer info (address/phone), your bank account info for direct deposit, and ID 3) After you apply, you MUST certify weekly even while waiting for approval 4) If your claim shows 'pending' for more than 2 weeks, you need to call them 5) Calling is IMPOSSIBLE unless you use a service like claimyr.com (saved my sanity) 6) Be 100% honest about severance, final pay, etc or they can make you pay everything back later 7) Join the ny unemployment facebook group - super helpful for specific questions Good luck! The system is broken but you'll get through it!

The ny unemployment system is such garbage. I got laid off in july and still fighting with them about back payments. Nobody answers phones. Website crashes. Different answers from every agent. It's like they WANT people to give up 🤬

When you apply make sure to print or screenshot EVERYTHING. I lost half my claim because the system "didn't have record" of information I definitely entered. Also write down your confirmation numbers for everything. The NY unemployment system loses info all the time.

MAKE SURE to certify every week even while waiting for your claim to be approved!! I didn't know this and lost 4 weeks of benefits because I thought I had to wait for approval first. You can backdate missed certifications but it's a huge headache.

I don't mean to be a downer but be prepared for LONG waits. My claim was marked "pending" for 8 weeks before I finally got approved. Had to borrow money from family to survive. The system is completely overwhelmed so patience is key.

Question for anyone who knows - does severance pay affect unemployment eligibility in NY? My company is offering 2 weeks but I'm worried it will delay benefits.

If you get stuck in the system (which you probably will), call your state representative's office! I was stuck for months until I contacted my assemblyman who had a direct line to someone at NYSDOL. Got my issue fixed in 48 hours after that.

whatever you do DO NOT MAKE MISTAKES on your application!!! I accidentally put the wrong last day of work (was off by ONE day) and my claim was flagged for fraud investigation that took 12 weeks to resolve. Triple check everything before submitting!!

ugh im sorry your going thru this. the system is such a nightmare. i filed back in february when my company downsized and ended up having to call 76 TIMES before getting through. when you certify each week make sure your reporting any work/earnings accurately or they can make you pay everything back. also check out r/unemployment for specific questions

Been throuh this process twice unfortunately. Here's a DETAILED GUIDE to help you get through the NY unemployment maze with your sanity intact: First, apply online immediately - don't wait. Your claim will be backdated to when you apply, not when you lost your job. When applying, have the following ready: - Social security number - NY State driver's license or ID card number - Your complete work history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) - Your bank account info for direct deposit (highly recommended) - Alien Registration card if you're not a US citizen After submitting your initial claim, you MUST certify weekly, even if your claim is still pending. The certification period runs from Monday to Sunday, and you certify for the previous week. Miss a certification and you'll have a nightmare getting those benefits later. Most people get stuck in the "pending" limbo where your claim is submitted but not approved. This is where having direct contact with an agent becomes crucial. The phone system is absolutely broken - you'll spend hours on hold only to get disconnected. The most reliable way I found to actually reach a human was using claimyr.com - they get you a callback from an actual agent. Worth every penny when you're watching your bank account dwindle while waiting for benefits. Once approved, keep meticulous records of all your job search activities. NY requires you to be actively seeking work and they do audit people randomly. If you pick up any gig/freelance work while on unemployment, report it accurately during your weekly certification. Failure to report income is fraud and they will catch it eventually. Don't get discouraged by the broken system. Stay persistent, document everything, and eventually you'll get through. Good luck!

apply rite away but don't expect to get any $ for at least a month. system is backed up. i had to use my credit cards to survive until benefits kicked in. start cutting expenses now if u can.

Just FYI they review your social media. My cousin got denied because they found pics of him on vacation during weeks he claimed to be "ready and available to work" 👀