What is collecting unemployment through NYS Department of Labor - complete beginner guide?
I'm completely new to this whole unemployment thing and honestly have no idea where to start. Just got laid off from my retail job last week and everyone keeps telling me I should 'collect unemployment' but what does that actually mean? Like do I just show up somewhere or is there paperwork? How much money are we talking about and how long does it take? I've never dealt with any government benefits before so I'm pretty lost here. Can someone explain the basics of what collecting unemployment actually involves with NYS Department of Labor?
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Jamal Wilson
Collecting unemployment means filing for weekly unemployment insurance benefits through the NYS Department of Labor. You apply online at labor.ny.gov, provide your employment history, and if approved you receive weekly payments while you search for work. The amount depends on your previous wages but the maximum is currently $504 per week. You have to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to keep getting paid.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Thanks! So I apply once and then file something weekly? What exactly are the job search requirements?
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Mei Lin
The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. First you file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website. Then every week you have to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work by filing your weekly claim. You need to apply to at least 3 jobs per week and keep a log of your job search activities. The system will ask you questions about any work you did that week and whether you're able and available for work.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Don't forget you also need to register with the state job bank and complete a reemployment orientation if they require it!
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Amara Nnamani
i've been collecting for 2 months now and honestly its not that complicated once you figure it out. the hardest part is getting through on the phone if you have problems. but the online system works fine most of the time
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Good to know the online system works well. Were there any surprises you wish someone had told you about upfront?
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Giovanni Mancini
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor by phone, I had success using this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get through to an actual agent without waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
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NebulaNinja
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they charge you for it or how does that work?
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Giovanni Mancini
•Yeah there's a fee but honestly worth it when you're stuck and need to talk to someone about your claim status.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
Just want to add that you should file as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a one week waiting period before you start getting paid, so the sooner you file the sooner that waiting period starts. Also make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy when you apply.
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