What to file unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor - need step by step help
I got laid off from my warehouse job last Friday and everyone keeps telling me I need to file for unemployment but I have no idea what that actually means or how to do it. Like what exactly am I supposed to file? Is there a specific form or application? Do I go somewhere in person or is it online? I've never had to deal with this before and I'm kind of freaking out because I need to pay rent next week. Can someone please explain what I'm supposed to file and where I go to do it? I keep seeing stuff about NYS Department of Labor but their website is confusing.
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Nathaniel Stewart
You need to file an initial unemployment insurance claim with NYS Department of Labor. It's all done online at labor.ny.gov. You'll need your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent pay stub. The application asks about your work history, reason for separation, and availability to work. Don't wait - you should file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
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Lola Perez
•Thank you! So it's called an unemployment insurance claim? I was so confused about the terminology. Do I need anything else besides what you mentioned?
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Riya Sharma
yeah its easy just go to the labor website and fill out the form, took me like 20 mins when i did it last year
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Santiago Diaz
The initial claim is just the first step. After you file that, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Make sure you have your employer's information handy - company name, address, your supervisor's name, and exact dates you worked there. Also be prepared to answer questions about why you left - since you were laid off, that should be straightforward.
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Lola Perez
•Wait, weekly claims too? So filing unemployment isn't just one thing? I'm getting overwhelmed again.
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Don't worry - the initial claim is the big one. Weekly claims are just certifying each week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. Much simpler.
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Millie Long
I tried calling NYS Department of Labor when I filed mine but could never get through. If you run into issues or have questions, I recently found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually connects you to unemployment agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself when I had questions about my claim status.
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Lola Perez
•That sounds helpful - I'll keep that in mind if I get stuck. Thanks for sharing!
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KaiEsmeralda
Make sure you file ASAP because there's a waiting period. And whatever you do, don't lie about anything on the application. NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your employer and if there are discrepancies it can delay your claim for weeks while they do adjudication.
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Debra Bai
ugh filing unemployment is such a pain, the whole system is designed to make you give up. but you gotta do it if you want the money so just power through the confusing website
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Santiago Diaz
•It's really not that bad once you get started. The interface could be better but the process itself is pretty straightforward if you have your documents ready.
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