NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits when laid off - timeline questions
Got laid off from my warehouse job two days ago due to company downsizing. Never filed for unemployment before and feeling pretty overwhelmed about the whole process. My supervisor said I should be eligible since it wasn't for cause, but I'm not sure how quickly I need to file or what documents I'll need. The NYS Department of Labor website has so much information it's hard to know where to start. How soon after being laid off should I file my claim? And does anyone know how long it typically takes to get approved and start receiving benefits? Really stressed about making rent next month.
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Anastasia Smirnova
You should file your unemployment claim as soon as possible - ideally within the first week after your layoff. The NYS Department of Labor has a one-week waiting period before benefits begin, so filing early is important. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the past 18 months including dates of employment and reason for separation. Since you were laid off due to downsizing, you should qualify as long as you meet the wage requirements.
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Diego Chavez
•Thank you! Do I need anything specific from my employer or will the NYS Department of Labor contact them directly to verify everything?
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Sean O'Brien
File online at labor.ny.gov immediately. The system will ask for your employer's information and they'll get contacted separately for verification. Make sure you have your last day of work correct because that affects your benefit year start date. Also be prepared to certify for weekly benefits every week even during the waiting period.
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Zara Shah
•This is solid advice. I was laid off last year and made the mistake of waiting almost two weeks to file thinking I might get called back. Don't wait!
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Luca Bianchi
ugh the whole unemployment system is such a nightmare to navigate... took me FOREVER to figure out the weekly certification process and don't even get me started on the job search requirements. they make you jump through so many hoops when you're already stressed about money
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Anastasia Smirnova
•The job search requirement is three work search activities per week, but there are plenty of options including online applications, networking events, and career fairs. It's actually more flexible than people think.
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GalacticGuardian
If you're having trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I recently found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was way easier than spending hours on hold trying to get through myself.
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Diego Chavez
•Interesting, I'll check that out if I run into issues. Hopefully the online filing process goes smoothly though.
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Nia Harris
Processing time varies but typically takes 2-4 weeks if everything is straightforward. Since you were laid off (not fired for misconduct), your claim shouldn't go into adjudication unless there are questions about your work history or wages.
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Mateo Gonzalez
same thing happened to me few months ago, whole thing was way less scary than i thought it would be once i actually did it
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