Should I file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?

Yes, you should definitely file! If you were laid off (not fired for misconduct) and worked for 8 months, you almost certainly qualify for unemployment benefits. The NYS Department of Labor requires that you've worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. Since you were laid off through no fault of your own, that's exactly what unemployment insurance is for. Don't wait - file as soon as possible because benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job.

File immediately on the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates worked. Also have your bank account info ready for direct deposit. The process takes about 30 minutes online and you should file your first weekly claim right after.

I was in your exact situation 6 months ago and putting off filing was my biggest mistake! I waited almost 2 weeks thinking I'd find another job quickly, but then it took me 3 months to get hired somewhere. Those first 2 weeks of benefits I lost forever. The NYS Department of Labor system isn't as scary as people make it seem - just follow the instructions step by step.

One thing to keep in mind - you'll need to actively look for work and document your job search activities. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a record of them. This includes applying to jobs, contacting employers directly, or attending job fairs. Make sure you understand these requirements before you start collecting benefits.

Ugh the whole unemployment system is such a pain. I had to deal with adjudication for weeks because my employer contested my claim even though they laid me off. But yeah you should still file because you need the money and you earned those benefits by working and paying into the system.

If you run into issues reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone (which is super common), I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me when I needed to check on my claim status and couldn't get through the regular phone lines.

Just file already! You paid into unemployment insurance through your paychecks, so it's your money. Worst case scenario they say no, but if you were laid off from a regular job you'll almost definitely qualify.