What is unemployment compensation exactly? Need basic explanation of NYS Department of Labor benefits
I just lost my job last week and everyone keeps telling me to file for unemployment compensation but I honestly don't really understand what it is or how it works. Is this something the NYS Department of Labor handles? What exactly am I applying for and how much money are we talking about? I've never been unemployed before so this is all new to me. Can someone explain the basics?
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Zoe Gonzalez
Unemployment compensation (also called UI benefits) is temporary financial assistance for people who lost their job through no fault of their own. In New York, it's administered by the NYS Department of Labor. You typically get a percentage of your previous wages for up to 26 weeks while you search for new work. You'll need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements.
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Avery Flores
•Thank you! So I have to actively look for work to keep getting payments? What kind of job search requirements are there?
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Ashley Adams
The amount depends on your previous earnings but in NY the maximum weekly benefit is around $504 as of 2025. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. The NYS Department of Labor calculates your benefit rate based on your highest earning quarter. You also need to be able and available for work each week.
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Alexis Robinson
•wait how do they know what you earned? do they already have access to that info?
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Ashley Adams
•Yes, employers report your wages to NYS Department of Labor quarterly so they already have your work history on file when you apply.
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Aaron Lee
Just be prepared for the application process to take FOREVER. I applied 3 weeks ago and my claim is still in adjudication. The NYS Department of Labor system is so slow and you can never get anyone on the phone.
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Chloe Mitchell
•I had trouble reaching them too until I found claimyr.com - it's a service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Aaron Lee
•That actually sounds really helpful, I'm gonna check that out. This calling system is ridiculous.
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Michael Adams
Also keep in mind unemployment compensation is taxable income so you might want to have taxes withheld or you'll owe at the end of the year. The NYS Department of Labor gives you the option when you set up your claim.
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Natalie Wang
ugh the whole system is such a nightmare, took me 2 months to get my first payment and by then i was already behind on rent
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Avery Flores
•Oh no that's exactly what I'm worried about! How did you manage during those 2 months?
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