NY unemployment after last day of work - confused about reapplying process

First, take a deep breath! The process isn't as complicated as it seems. Since today was your last day, you should file your initial claim as soon as possible - ideally tomorrow. Don't wait. The system will ask for your last day worked, which would be today. There is still a waiting week in NY for unemployment benefits. This means after you file, the first week is a "waiting period" where you certify but don't get paid. You'll start receiving benefits for your second week if eligible. The 10x benefit rate rule applies to people who've already collected all their benefits and need to requalify, not to new claims.

Here's a practical step-by-step for what to do after your last day: 1. File your claim online at labor.ny.gov (best to do it between 7am-7pm weekdays) 2. Have ready: your SSN, driver's license/state ID, last 18 months of employment history (employer names/addresses), and bank account info for direct deposit 3. Complete the application in one sitting if possible (takes about 30-45 minutes) 4. After filing, you'll receive an email confirmation 5. Remember to claim weekly benefits (certify) starting the Sunday after you apply The separation letter is good to have on hand, but you typically don't need to upload it unless they specifically request it later.

got laid off lst month, click 'lack of work' if ur contract just ended. thats what i put. got my 1st payment after like 10 days

My sister just went thru this. She had to wait FOREVER to get thru the process. The website kept freezing up on her and she could NEVER get anyone on the phone. Total nightmare.

One thing no one mentioned - if you received severance or PTO payout, you need to report that when you file. It can affect when your benefits actually start. Not reporting it correctly can lead to overpayment issues later. Also, after you apply, you'll get a "Monetary Determination" letter showing your weekly benefit amount based on your past earnings. Review this carefully! If anything looks wrong (missing wages or employers), you should request a review immediately. And yes, "lack of work" is the correct reason if your contract ended and wasn't renewed.

Yes, you need to report your PTO payout. In New York, they don't reduce your total benefit amount, but they may delay when your benefits begin. Basically, they calculate how many weeks of "regular pay" your PTO payout equals and push your eligibility date out by that amount. For example, if you got a PTO payout equal to 2 weeks of your regular salary, your benefits might be delayed by 2 weeks (in addition to the standard waiting week).

dont forget 2 certify every week even if u havent been approved yet

Has anyone else noticed that the NY unemployment website says it's open 24/7 but then randomly says "system unavailable" at like 8pm???? SO FRUSTRATING!!! I've been trying to apply for 2 days now!!!!

OK honestly the confusing part isn't even filling out the application, it's the certifying every week. I got denied because I answered ONE question wrong during weekly certification. They asked if I refused work and I said yes because I turned down an interview for a job that paid way less than my benefit rate. Apparently that's NOT considered refusing work so I should've said no. Lost a whole week of benefits because of that!

One final tip: create a work search record system right from the start. NY requires 3 work search activities per week, and while they don't ask for proof with every certification, they can audit you at any time. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, application method, contact info, and follow-up notes. If you get audited and can't show your work search records, you might have to pay back benefits. Better to start organized than scramble later.

Yes, attending job fairs absolutely counts as a work search activity! Other qualifying activities include: • Submitting job applications/resumes • Having job interviews • Registering with employment agencies • Meeting with career counselors • Taking civil service exams • Networking events specifically for job search • Creating profiles on job boards like Indeed/LinkedIn • Taking workshops through NY Career Centers Just make sure you document everything with dates, names of events/companies, and any contacts you made.