When do I need to apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?

You should file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work, but not before. NYS Department of Labor won't process claims for future unemployment. I made the mistake of trying to file a few days before my layoff and had to start over. The key is to apply within the first week after you lose your job to avoid losing any potential benefits.

File your initial claim as soon as you're officially unemployed. You have up to one year to file, but you'll lose money for every week you delay. Your benefit year starts the week you file, not the week you lost your job. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. If you're laid off, make sure you get documentation from your employer about the layoff.

I've been through this process twice unfortunately. File your claim on Sunday of the week you become unemployed if possible - that's when the benefit week starts in NY. Don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly. Even if you do find work, you can just stop certifying for benefits. But if you wait to file and don't find work, you're missing out on money you're entitled to.

THE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!! I waited 2 weeks because I didn't know when to apply and then my claim got held up for MONTHS in adjudication. Apparently they questioned why I waited so long to file. Just file immediately - don't overthink it like I did!

I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone when I had questions about filing timing. Ended up using Claimyr to connect with an agent - they have this service where they call you back when they reach someone at the unemployment office. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me hours of busy signals and getting hung up on.