What time can I file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor online system?
I'm trying to file my initial unemployment claim but the my.ny.gov website keeps giving me error messages. Is there a specific time of day when the NYS Department of Labor system works better? I've been trying since 6 AM and it's now afternoon. Really need to get this submitted today since I was laid off yesterday. Anyone know if there are peak hours I should avoid or better times to try filing?
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Isabel Vega
The NYS Department of Labor online system is usually most stable early morning before 8 AM or late evening after 7 PM. Peak hours during business days (9 AM to 5 PM) often have server issues due to high volume. Try filing your claim around 6:30 AM or after 8 PM for best results.
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Laila Prince
•Thanks! I'll try again tonight after 8. Do I need to have all my employment info ready or can I save a partial application?
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Dominique Adams
been trying for 3 days now!! system is so frustrating, keeps timing out when i get to the employment history part
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Marilyn Dixon
You can file your initial claim 24/7 on my.ny.gov, but like others mentioned, off-peak hours work much better. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information for the last 18 months before starting. The system will save your progress if you need to step away, but complete it within the same session if possible to avoid timeout issues.
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Laila Prince
•Good to know about the 18 months of employment info. I was only preparing info for my last job.
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Louisa Ramirez
•Wait, I thought it was only 12 months? I've been stressing about finding records from 2 years ago...
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Marilyn Dixon
•It's 18 months to determine your base period for benefit calculations. NYS Department of Labor uses this to calculate your weekly benefit amount, so having complete employment history is important.
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TommyKapitz
I had similar issues reaching the NYS Department of Labor when I needed to check on my claim status after filing. Kept getting busy signals and the online chat never worked. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through myself.
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Angel Campbell
•interesting, never heard of that before. how does it work exactly?
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TommyKapitz
•They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they reach an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. Was pretty straightforward to use.
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Payton Black
Also make sure you file during your designated day if you're doing weekly claims later. But for the initial claim filing, any day should work once you get past the system issues.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
I filed my initial claim last month and had the same frustrating experience with the system errors. What finally worked for me was trying around 11 PM on a weeknight - the system was much more responsive then. Also, before you start, make sure you have your W-2s or paystubs ready for ALL employers from the last 18 months, not just your most recent job. The system will ask for specific dates, wages, and reasons for leaving each job. Having everything organized beforehand saved me from having to restart multiple times when the system timed out.
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