What info do i need to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
Getting ready to file my first unemployment claim and want to make sure I have everything ready before I start the application on my.ny.gov. What documents and information do I need to gather? I worked at three different jobs in the past 18 months so I'm worried about getting all the employment history right. Don't want to mess this up and cause delays.
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Sunny Wang
You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, complete work history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Also gather your most recent pay stub and any separation paperwork like termination letters. For each job, you'll need the exact dates you started and stopped working, plus your supervisor's name if possible.
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Everett Tutum
•Do I need tax forms too? I think I have W-2s from last year but not sure about this year's paystubs since I just got laid off last week.
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Hugh Intensity
The NYS Department of Labor will verify your wages electronically so you don't need to upload W-2s during filing, but having them helps you double-check dates and employer info. Make sure you have your bank account information for direct deposit setup - routing and account numbers. Also be ready to answer why you left each job (laid off, quit, fired, etc.) because that affects your eligibility.
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Everett Tutum
•Thanks! I was laid off due to company downsizing so that should be straightforward. Good to know about the bank info.
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Effie Alexander
omg the hardest part for me was remembering exact addresses of old jobs especially if the company moved or closed down. try to get as much detail as possible because if NYS Department of Labor can't verify your employment it slows everything down
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Sunny Wang
•Good point - if you can't find an old employer's address, try searching online for their business registration or use the address from your W-2. NYS Department of Labor just needs to be able to match it to their records.
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Melissa Lin
Had issues reaching NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck because I missed some employment dates. Ended up using claimyr.com to get through to an agent - they have this system that calls you back when someone's available rather than waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.
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Lydia Santiago
•Never heard of that but might be worth it if you can't get through the regular way. The phone lines are always jammed.
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Lydia Santiago
Also have your alien registration number ready if you're not a US citizen, and be prepared to set up your weekly claim schedule right after filing your initial claim.
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