What does it mean to collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I keep hearing people talk about 'collecting unemployment' but I'm honestly not sure what this actually means or how it works. My job ended last month and someone told me I should look into it but I don't even know where to start. Is this something the NYS Department of Labor handles? What exactly are you collecting and how does the whole process work? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I've never been in this situation before.
9 comments
Join the conversation
Christian Burns
Not a dumb question at all! 'Collecting unemployment' means receiving weekly cash payments from NYS Department of Labor while you're out of work through no fault of your own. You file an initial claim, then file weekly claims to certify you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. The payments are based on your previous earnings and help you pay bills while job searching.
0 coins
Jenna Sloan
•Oh okay that makes sense! So I have to prove I'm looking for work each week? How much do they typically pay?
0 coins
Sasha Reese
You'll need to file your initial claim through the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. After that's approved, you file weekly claims every week to keep getting payments. You have to report any work you did that week and certify you're able and available for work. The whole process is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
0 coins
Muhammad Hobbs
•make sure you keep track of your job search activities too because they can ask for proof
0 coins
Noland Curtis
Been collecting for 2 months now and honestly the NYS Department of Labor system is a pain sometimes. The website goes down, payments get delayed, and don't even get me started on trying to reach someone by phone. But yeah basically you get money each week if you qualify and keep filing your weekly claims on time.
0 coins
Diez Ellis
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when my claim got stuck in adjudication.
0 coins
Vanessa Figueroa
Wait so if I quit my job can I still collect unemployment? Or does it have to be like a layoff situation? Also how long does it take to get approved? I'm getting really worried about my rent payment next month.
0 coins
Christian Burns
•Generally you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own - so layoffs, company closures, being fired for non-misconduct reasons. Quitting usually disqualifies you unless it was for good cause. Processing times vary but expect at least a few weeks, especially if your claim goes into adjudication.
0 coins
Abby Marshall
just want to say thanks for asking this because I was wondering the same thing but felt stupid asking lol
0 coins