What is an unemployment check and how do I get one from NYS Department of Labor?

An unemployment check is your weekly unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payment from NYS Department of Labor. It's not automatic - you have to file a claim first, then certify weekly to keep getting payments. Most people get direct deposit now, not physical checks. The amount depends on your previous wages but the maximum weekly benefit in NY is currently $504. You need to file your initial claim on the NY.gov website, then file weekly claims every week to keep getting paid.

i missed this up when i first filed too lol. you gotta file weekly claims every week or you dont get paid for that week. its like telling them you're still unemployed and looking for work. super annoying but thats how it works

You'll want to file your claim as soon as possible because there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Make sure you have all your employment information ready - previous employer details, dates of employment, reason for separation. The NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your employer. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I recently found out about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.

Just be prepared for the NYS Department of Labor system to be a nightmare. I've been trying to get through to them for weeks about an issue with my claim. The phone lines are always busy and the online chat never works. Good luck!

To answer your direct question - it's called an 'unemployment check' but it's really unemployment insurance benefits. Think of it like temporary income replacement while you look for work. You pay into this system through payroll taxes when you're working, so you've earned this benefit.