What is a top application for unemployment - best way to file NYS Department of Labor claim?
I just lost my job last week and need to file for unemployment benefits. I keep hearing about different ways to apply but I'm not sure what the best method is. Should I use the my.ny.gov website or is there a mobile app that works better? I'm worried about making mistakes on my application since I've never done this before. What's considered the top application method for filing with NYS Department of Labor? Also, how long does it usually take to get approved once you submit everything?
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Kara Yoshida
The my.ny.gov website is definitely the way to go for filing your initial unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor. There isn't really a dedicated mobile app - you'll want to use the full website on a computer if possible. Make sure you have all your employment history for the past 18 months ready, including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The application process usually takes about 20-30 minutes if you have everything prepared.
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Mateusius Townsend
•Thank you! Do I need to have my W-2 forms from last year or just the basic employment info?
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Philip Cowan
i tried using my phone to apply last month and it was a nightmare, kept timing out. definitely use a computer like the other person said. also make sure you apply as soon as possible because there's a waiting week and you want to get that started
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Caesar Grant
Here's what worked for me: go to my.ny.gov, create an account if you don't have one, then look for the unemployment services section. The system will walk you through step by step. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment details. Most important - be completely honest about why you lost your job because they verify everything with your employer. If you have trouble getting through on the phone to NYS Department of Labor, I actually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an agent when I had questions about my application status. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Lena Schultz
•Never heard of that service before, does it actually work? I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for two weeks about my claim.
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Caesar Grant
•Yeah it worked for me when I couldn't get through the regular way. They basically call for you and connect you when an agent picks up. Was worth it since I was getting nowhere on my own.
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Gemma Andrews
The whole online system is honestly pretty terrible but it's your only real option. Don't expect it to work smoothly - I had to restart my application three times because it kept crashing. And good luck if you need to talk to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor, their phone system is basically designed to hang up on you.
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Pedro Sawyer
Just wanted to add that once you file your initial claim, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting benefits. Don't forget about that part! The weekly claims are much shorter but you have to do them consistently.
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Mateusius Townsend
•Good point! How do I know when to start filing the weekly claims?
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Kara Yoshida
•You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed. Usually they'll send you a letter or email with your claim number and weekly claim schedule.
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