Should I file for unemployment right away after losing my job in NY?
Just got laid off yesterday from my warehouse job and wondering if I should file for unemployment benefits immediately or wait a bit. My supervisor said the layoff might only be temporary for 2-3 weeks but honestly I'm not sure if I believe that. I've never filed for unemployment before and don't really know how the process works with NYS Department of Labor. Should I start the claim right away even if there's a chance I might get called back? Also heard something about a waiting period - does that mean I won't get paid for the first week anyway?
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Lauren Wood
Yes, file immediately! There's no penalty for filing right away, and if you get called back to work you can just stop certifying. The NYS Department of Labor has a one-week waiting period anyway, so filing now means you won't lose additional time if the layoff becomes permanent. You can file online through the my.ny.gov portal - it's pretty straightforward.
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Dylan Baskin
•Thanks! Do I need to have all my employment history ready or can I add details later?
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Ellie Lopez
definitely file now, i waited 3 weeks thinking id get called back and lost out on benefits. the nys department of labor application asks for your last 18 months of work history so gather up your pay stubs if you have them
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Chad Winthrope
File right away but be honest about the temporary nature of the layoff. If your employer recalls you within a reasonable time, you'll need to report that when you file your weekly claims. The NYS Department of Labor allows for temporary layoffs, and you can collect benefits during that time. Just make sure you're available and able to work if other opportunities come up.
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Paige Cantoni
•What happens if I turn down the callback from my original employer? Will that disqualify me from benefits?
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Kylo Ren
I had a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask questions. If you need to speak with an actual agent about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to NYS Department of Labor representatives. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Nina Fitzgerald
•How much does something like that cost though? Seems like it should be free to talk to the state.
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Kylo Ren
•I mean yeah it should be free, but when you can't get through for weeks and bills are piling up, it was worth it for me to actually talk to someone who could explain my options.
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Jason Brewer
The whole system is so frustrating! Filed my claim 2 months ago and STILL dealing with adjudication issues. NYS Department of Labor keeps asking for the same documents over and over. But yeah, file right away because the bureaucracy takes forever anyway.
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Nina Fitzgerald
same boat, got laid off in december and filed same day. even if temporary just file because you never know
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