What is top application for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm getting laid off next month and need to know what's the best way to apply for unemployment in NY. I've heard there are different apps or websites but I'm not sure which one is the official one for NYS Department of Labor. Don't want to accidentally use some scam site. Can someone tell me what is the top application for unemployment that I should be using? Also do I need to wait until my last day of work or can I apply beforehand?
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Margot Quinn
The official application is through my.ny.gov - that's the only legitimate site for NYS Department of Labor unemployment claims. Don't use any other apps or websites, they're either scams or just redirect you to the official site anyway. You can file your initial claim the week you become unemployed, but not before your last day of work. Make sure you have your employment history for the past 18 months ready.
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Raúl Mora
•Thanks! Is my.ny.gov the same as the old labor.ny.gov site? I think I had an account there before.
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Evelyn Kim
Yeah my.ny.gov is correct. The old labor site redirects there now. Just make sure when you file that you answer all the questions accurately about why you're unemployed. Since you're being laid off (not fired for cause) you should qualify. The system will ask for your employer info and wage details from your last job.
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Diego Fisher
•does it matter what time of day you apply? I heard the system crashes a lot
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Henrietta Beasley
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my application. The phone lines are always busy and the online chat never works. If you run into issues trying to reach them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me when my claim got stuck in adjudication.
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Lincoln Ramiro
•How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone about our own benefits
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Henrietta Beasley
•I get the frustration but honestly it was worth it for me. The regular phone system was impossible and I needed to get my issues resolved quickly.
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Faith Kingston
just use the official site and be patient. i applied last year and it took forever but eventually worked out. make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still pending
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