What is the time limit to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
I got laid off from my construction job about 6 weeks ago and just found out I might be able to get unemployment benefits. My buddy told me there's some kind of deadline to apply but I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website. Does anyone know what the actual time limit is to file for unemployment? I'm worried I might have waited too long already.
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Kevin Bell
You need to file your claim as soon as possible! While there's no strict deadline that completely bars you from filing, you can only receive benefits starting from the week you actually file your claim. So every week you wait is a week of benefits you're losing. The NYS Department of Labor recommends filing within the first week after you become unemployed.
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Ella Cofer
•Oh no, does that mean I lost 6 weeks of benefits? That's like $2,400 I won't get back!
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Savannah Glover
You won't get those 6 weeks back unfortunately, but file TODAY. The system won't backdate your claim to when you were actually laid off. I made the same mistake and lost 3 weeks of benefits because I thought I had to wait for some paperwork from my employer first.
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Felix Grigori
•This is so confusing, why doesn't NYS Department of Labor make this clearer on their website?
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Felicity Bud
I had trouble getting through to file my claim because the phone lines were always busy. If you're having the same issue, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process way easier than trying to call for hours.
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Max Reyes
•Is that like a paid service? Seems weird to pay someone to help you file for unemployment.
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Felicity Bud
•It just helps you get through to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor when the lines are jammed. Sometimes that's the only way to resolve filing issues or get answers about your specific situation.
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Mikayla Davison
The whole system is set up to screw people over. They don't tell you about deadlines clearly, then act like it's your fault when you miss benefits. I bet half the people who deserve UI never even know they can apply.
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Adrian Connor
•same thing happened to my brother, lost like a month of benefits because nobody told him
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Ava Kim
I just went through this exact situation last month! You definitely can't get those 6 weeks back, but don't let that stop you from filing immediately. Even though you missed out on some benefits, you can still collect for the remaining weeks of your unemployment. The application process online isn't too bad once you get started - just make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and any paperwork from your employer ready. Also keep in mind you'll need to certify for benefits every week going forward, so set a reminder for yourself. Better to start collecting something now than to keep waiting and lose even more potential benefits.
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