What is filing for unemployment - confused about the whole NYS Department of Labor process
I got laid off last week and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment but I honestly have no idea what that even means or how it works. Like what is filing for unemployment exactly? Do I just call NYS Department of Labor or is there paperwork? How much money do you get and how long does it take? I've never had to deal with this before and feeling pretty overwhelmed. Can someone explain the basics of what filing for unemployment actually involves?
12 comments
Join the conversation
Nia Jackson
Filing for unemployment means applying for temporary financial assistance from NYS Department of Labor while you're between jobs. You apply online at my.ny.gov, not by calling. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for job separation. The process creates a claim that determines your weekly benefit amount based on your previous earnings.
0 coins
Luca Romano
•Ok that makes sense. So I apply online first then they tell me how much I can get? Do I have to prove I'm looking for work right away?
0 coins
NebulaNova
The weekly benefit amount is calculated using your highest quarter of earnings from the past year. In NY, maximum weekly benefit is around $504 but most people get less. After you file your initial claim, you have to file weekly claims every week to actually receive payments. You also need to register for work search within 30 days and document your job search activities.
0 coins
Luca Romano
•Wait so filing for unemployment is just the first step? I have to keep filing something every week too?
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•Exactly - the initial claim establishes your eligibility, but weekly claims are how you actually get paid each week. Think of it like clocking in.
0 coins
Mateo Hernandez
honestly the whole process is confusing at first but its not that bad once you get into the routine. just make sure you file your weekly claim on the same day each week or they get weird about it
0 coins
Aisha Khan
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual person. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
0 coins
Luca Romano
•Is that like a paid service? I'm already stressed about money so not sure if I can afford extra fees right now.
0 coins
Aisha Khan
•It was worth it for me when I couldn't get through for two weeks, but try the regular number first. Sometimes you get lucky and reach someone without waiting.
0 coins
Ethan Taylor
Just to add - when you file for unemployment make sure you have all your employer information ready including exact dates and addresses. NYS Department of Labor will contact your previous employer to verify everything so accuracy is important. Any mistakes can delay your claim approval.
0 coins
Yuki Ito
The whole system is designed to make you give up honestly. They ask for so much documentation and then take forever to process anything. But stick with it because the benefits do help while you're looking for work.
0 coins
Carmen Lopez
•This is so true! Took them 3 weeks just to process my initial claim and I was stressing the whole time.
0 coins