NYS Department of Labor - when to file for unemployment benefits after job loss?
I got laid off from my retail job yesterday and I'm not sure when to file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor. Should I file right away or wait? My manager said something about waiting periods but I'm confused. I've never been unemployed before so I don't know the process. When is the best time to submit my application? Also do I need to wait until I get my final paycheck or can I start the process now?
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Amaya Watson
You should file as soon as possible! NYS Department of Labor doesn't pay benefits for the week you file, so waiting just costs you money. There's no waiting period for regular unemployment in NY. You can file online at labor.ny.gov even before you get your final paycheck. The system will ask for your last day worked and last day paid, which can be different dates.
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Tristan Carpenter
•Thank you! So I can file today even though I just lost my job yesterday? I was worried it was too soon.
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Grant Vikers
definitely file asap, i waited like 2 weeks when i got fired and lost out on those benefits completely. the nys department of labor website is pretty straightforward once you get started
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Giovanni Martello
File immediately but make sure you have all your employment information ready - employer name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation. NYS Department of Labor will need your Social Security number and driver's license too. The application asks for detailed work history going back 18 months so gather that info first. Once you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits.
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Savannah Weiner
•Wait, I thought there was a one week waiting period? Or is that just other states? I'm getting conflicting info about NYS rules.
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Giovanni Martello
•No waiting period in New York. That's some other states. NY pays from week one if you're eligible. Just remember the week you file doesn't count as a payable week.
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Levi Parker
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone when I needed help with my claim timing. If you run into issues or need to speak with someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process much less stressful when I had questions about my filing.
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Libby Hassan
•Never heard of that but anything is better than being on hold for 3 hours with NYS Department of Labor just to get disconnected!
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Hunter Hampton
Just to add - if you were laid off make sure you get documentation from your employer about the reason. NYS Department of Labor will verify with them anyway but having it upfront can speed up the process. Also start thinking about your job search plan because you'll need to be actively looking for work and keeping records.
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