When can I sign up for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off yesterday and I'm wondering when I can actually file for unemployment benefits. My supervisor said something about waiting but I'm not sure if that's true? I need to start getting payments as soon as possible since I have rent due next week. Can I apply right away or do I have to wait for some kind of paperwork first? Also do I need my final paycheck before I can file with NYS Department of Labor?
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Jade O'Malley
You can file your initial claim immediately after your last day of work. Don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can start processing. You'll need your employer information, social security number, and details about your separation. Your final paycheck isn't required to file, but you'll need to report any severance pay or unused vacation time when you file your weekly claims.
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Caleb Stark
•Thank you! Should I file online or is it better to call? I'm worried about making mistakes on the application.
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Hunter Edmunds
File online at ny.gov - it's much faster than calling and you can take your time with the application. The phone lines are usually jammed anyway. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready including dates and your employer's address. One thing that trips people up is they ask for your gross weekly wages, not your take-home pay.
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Ella Lewis
•this is so confusing why do they need so much information just to get benefits
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Andrew Pinnock
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to speak with someone about my claim status. If you run into issues reaching them by phone, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Brianna Schmidt
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.
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Andrew Pinnock
•It's worth checking out their site for pricing info, but honestly the time it saved me was invaluable when I was dealing with adjudication issues.
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Alexis Renard
make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still processing!! I made that mistake and it delayed everything
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Caleb Stark
•Wait, I have to file weekly claims before my initial claim is even approved? That seems backwards.
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Jade O'Malley
•Yes, you need to file weekly claims starting the week after you file your initial application. If you don't file weekly claims, you won't get paid for those weeks even if your claim gets approved later.
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