Should I file unemployment with NYS Department of Labor after being let go?
I got laid off yesterday from my job at a marketing firm where I worked for 2 years. My manager said it was due to budget cuts and gave me a separation letter. I'm not sure if I should file for unemployment benefits or if I even qualify. I've never done this before and don't know what the process looks like. Has anyone been through this with NYS Department of Labor? What should I expect and is it worth the hassle?
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Leslie Parker
Yes, definitely file! If you were laid off through no fault of your own and have work history, you likely qualify for unemployment benefits. You can file online through the NYS Department of Labor website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and that separation letter. The sooner you file, the better since there's usually a waiting period.
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Freya Ross
•Thank you! Do I need to file right away or can I wait a few days to get my paperwork together?
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Sergio Neal
File as soon as possible! Your claim date starts when you file, not when you lost your job. I made the mistake of waiting a week when I got laid off and lost that week of benefits. The NYS Department of Labor online system is pretty straightforward - just answer all the questions honestly about why you lost your job.
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Savanna Franklin
•this is so true!! i waited 3 days thinking i needed all my documents perfect and those 3 days don't count for benefits
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Juan Moreno
I was in a similar situation last year and filing was definitely the right choice. Just be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll need to apply for jobs and log them in the system. Also sometimes claims go into adjudication if there are any questions about your separation, but don't let that scare you off from filing.
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Freya Ross
•What happens during adjudication? That sounds concerning.
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Juan Moreno
•It's just when they review your case more closely. Mine took about 2 weeks because my employer initially contested it, but since I had the separation letter showing it was a layoff, it got approved.
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Amy Fleming
The NYS Department of Labor system is a nightmare to deal with but you should still file. Getting through to someone on the phone is nearly impossible when you have questions. I've been calling for weeks trying to resolve an issue with my weekly claim and can't get through.
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Sergio Neal
•Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor. They help you get through to an actual agent - there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI and the site is claimyr.com. It saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Amy Fleming
•Never heard of that but I'll check it out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to talk to a real person!
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Alice Pierce
definitely file! worst case they say no but if you don't try you get nothing. the weekly claims are easy once you get used to it
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