What number to apply for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - can't find the right contact
I just got laid off yesterday and need to file for unemployment benefits but I'm totally confused about what number to apply for unemployment through NYS Department of Labor. I've been searching online and found like 5 different phone numbers. Some say to call the claims center, others mention a filing hotline. My former coworker said she applied online but that was 2 years ago and I'm not sure if that's still how you do it. Can someone tell me the actual current number to apply for unemployment? I really need to get this started ASAP since my last paycheck was Friday.
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Joshua Wood
You actually don't need a phone number to apply for unemployment anymore! NYS Department of Labor switched everything online through the my.ny.gov portal. Just go to labor.ny.gov and look for 'File for Unemployment Benefits' - it'll walk you through creating an account and filing your initial claim. The online system is available 24/7 which is way better than trying to get through on the phones.
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Madison Allen
•Oh wow, that's way easier than I thought! Do I need any specific documents ready before I start the online application?
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Justin Evans
Yeah definitely go online first but heads up - if you run into any issues with your application or it gets stuck in adjudication, you might still need to call. The customer service number is 888-209-8124 but good luck getting through. I've been trying to reach someone about my claim for weeks and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting an hour.
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Emily Parker
•same here! the phone system is absolutely terrible. i called 47 times yesterday and only got through once just to be told they couldn't help with my specific issue
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Ezra Collins
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of redial frustration when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue last month.
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Victoria Scott
Just to add - when you file online make sure you have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The system will ask for your last day of work and reason for separation, so have those details ready. Don't stress too much about getting everything perfect on the first try - you can always call later to make corrections if needed.
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Madison Allen
•Thanks! I have all that info except I'm not sure about the exact reason codes. My whole department got eliminated due to budget cuts - would that be considered a layoff or something else?
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Benjamin Johnson
That would definitely be a layoff due to lack of work. NYS Department of Labor has specific categories and 'lack of work' or 'business closure/downsizing' would be the right selection. Budget cuts that eliminate positions fall under that category, so you should qualify for benefits assuming you meet the other requirements like having enough earnings in your base period.
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Carmen Ortiz
•@Madison Allen That s'exactly right - budget cuts eliminating your position definitely counts as a layoff due to lack of work. When you re'filling out the online application, look for options like lack "of work, reduction" "in force, or" business "downsizing. The" system is pretty straightforward about this category since it s'one of the most common reasons people file. You should be good to go as long as you worked enough quarters and earned enough wages in your base period usually (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed .)
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