What unemployment benefits am I eligible for with NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my job at a retail store after working there for 8 months. This is my first time dealing with unemployment and I'm completely lost about what unemployment benefits I can get through NYS Department of Labor. I've heard there are different types but I don't understand what I qualify for or how much money I might receive. My last job paid $18/hour and I worked about 35 hours a week. Can someone explain what unemployment options are available and how I figure out what I'm eligible for? I need to start the process ASAP because my last paycheck was two weeks ago.
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Connor O'Neill
You'll likely qualify for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through NYS Department of Labor. With 8 months of work history, you should meet the minimum requirements. Your weekly benefit amount will be roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, so probably around $315 per week based on your $18/hour at 35 hours. You can file your claim online at my.ny.gov and you'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation from your job.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thank you! $315 a week would really help. Do I need to apply right away or can I wait a few days? I'm still trying to gather all my employment documents.
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Yara Nassar
def apply asap!! there's a waiting week so the sooner you file the better. i made the mistake of waiting when i got laid off and it just delayed everything
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Keisha Robinson
Just to clarify the previous response - the waiting week was eliminated in New York. You should still file immediately though because your claim starts the week you file, not when you lost your job. The my.ny.gov system will walk you through everything step by step. Make sure you have your employer's complete address and the exact reason you were laid off.
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GalaxyGuardian
•Wait, so there's no waiting week anymore? That's great news! I was dreading having to go a whole week without any payment when I file my claim next month.
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Paolo Ricci
ugh the NYS Department of Labor system is such a pain though. took me forever to get through when i applied last year and then they put my claim in adjudication for no reason
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Connor O'Neill
•If you run into issues reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor by phone, I used claimyr.com last time I needed to talk to an agent. They have this system that calls you back when they get through instead of you sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.
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Amina Toure
One thing to keep in mind - you'll need to certify for benefits every week and meet the job search requirements. That means applying to at least 3 jobs per week and keeping a log of your search activities. The NYS Department of Labor takes this seriously so make sure you're actually looking for work, not just going through the motions.
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Zainab Ismail
•Good to know about the job search requirement. Is there a specific format for the log or can I just keep track however I want?
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