NYS Department of Labor - when can I start collecting unemployment benefits after job loss?
Lost my job yesterday at a retail company downtown due to store closure. I know I need to file for unemployment but I'm confused about the timing. Can I apply right away or do I have to wait? Also wondering when the payments would actually start if I file today. My manager said something about a waiting period but I'm not sure what that means. Really need to know because rent is due in two weeks and I'm already stressed about money.
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Miguel Ramos
You can file your initial claim immediately - don't wait! In New York, you should apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after losing your job. There's no waiting period to FILE, but there is typically a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving payments. Your first payable week would be the week after you file your claim, assuming you meet all eligibility requirements.
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Ava Martinez
•Thanks! So if I file today, when would my first payment actually come through? I'm trying to figure out my budget.
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QuantumQuasar
Make sure you have all your paperwork ready before you start the application on the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months, and details about your last employer. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. Just remember you still need to file weekly claims even during that waiting week.
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Ava Martinez
•What exactly is a weekly claim? Is that different from the initial application?
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Miguel Ramos
•Weekly claims are how you request payment each week. You have to certify that you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. It's separate from your initial application.
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Zainab Omar
ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i filed mine like 3 weeks ago and still havent gotten anything, keep getting told its in adjudication whatever that means
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QuantumQuasar
•Adjudication means they're reviewing your claim for eligibility issues. Common reasons include unclear separation from employer or wage verification problems. Have you tried calling the NYS Department of Labor? I know it's hard to get through but you might need to check what's holding up your claim.
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Connor Gallagher
•I had this exact problem last month - couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor no matter how many times I called. Finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you connected to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Cost some money but was worth it to finally talk to someone and figure out what was wrong with my claim.
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Yara Sayegh
Wait, are you sure you qualify though? If you got fired for cause or quit voluntarily, you might not be eligible. Store closure should be fine since that's no fault of your own, but just double-check the reason on your termination paperwork.
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Ava Martinez
•It was definitely a layoff due to store closure. The whole chain is shutting down locations. Should have the paperwork from HR tomorrow.
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Keisha Johnson
Same thing happened to my cousin but with a restaurant. She filed right away and got her first payment about 10 days later I think? The key is just getting that initial application in ASAP.
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