When do i file a claim for unemployment benefits in NY - timing questions
I'm getting laid off next Friday and this is my first time dealing with unemployment. When exactly should I file my claim? Should I wait until after my last day of work or can I file before? I heard there's some rule about filing right away but I don't want to mess anything up. Also do I need to wait for my final paycheck or can I start the process while I'm still technically employed? Really confused about the timing here.
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Emily Sanjay
You should file your unemployment claim as soon as possible after your last day of work, but not before. NYS Department of Labor requires that you be actually unemployed when you file. So if Friday is your last day, file on Saturday or the following Monday. Don't wait for your final paycheck - you can file as soon as you're no longer working. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed and your benefit year starts.
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Sebastian Scott
•Thanks! So I should definitely wait until after Friday to file then. Do I need any special paperwork from my employer or just my basic info?
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Jordan Walker
File ASAP after your last day! I made the mistake of waiting two weeks thinking I needed my final paystub and it just delayed everything. NYS Department of Labor will ask for your employment history and reason for separation but you don't need physical documents from your employer to start the process. Just make sure you have your SSN, employment dates, and employer contact info ready.
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Natalie Adams
•This is so helpful, I was wondering the same thing about waiting for final paperwork
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Elijah O'Reilly
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible. If you run into issues after filing, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Sebastian Scott
•Good to know there's a backup option if I can't get through the normal way, thanks!
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Amara Torres
yeah file right away dont wait around like i did and lost a week of benefits cause i thought i had to wait
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Olivia Van-Cleve
The key thing is that your benefit year starts when you file, not when you lost your job. So every day you delay is potentially money left on the table. NYS Department of Labor processes claims in the order received, so earlier filing usually means faster processing. Just make sure you're actually unemployed when you submit - filing while still employed can cause issues with your claim.
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Sebastian Scott
•That makes sense about the benefit year starting when I file. I'll definitely file first thing Monday morning then.
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Cynthia Love
Just want to add - when you file online, make sure you have a stable internet connection and don't start the application unless you have time to finish it in one sitting. The NYS DOL system can time out and you might lose your progress. Also, if you get any error messages during filing, take screenshots - it'll help if you need to call for support later. The online system is usually less busy early morning or late evening if you want to avoid peak times.
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Miguel Ramos
•This is really good advice about the technical side of filing! I hadn't thought about the system timing out. Since I'm filing first thing Monday morning, sounds like that's actually a good time to avoid the rush. I'll make sure to set aside enough time and have all my info ready before I start. Thanks for the heads up about taking screenshots too - that's smart thinking ahead.
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StarStrider
One more thing to keep in mind - when you file your claim, you'll need to provide your gross weekly wages from your highest earning quarter in the past 18 months. If you don't have your pay stubs handy, you can usually find this info on your last few pay stubs or W-2 forms. The system will calculate your benefit amount based on this, so having accurate numbers is important. Also, make sure you understand the difference between being "laid off" vs "fired" when they ask about reason for separation - being laid off due to lack of work is different from being terminated for cause, and it affects your eligibility.
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Oliver Wagner
•This is really helpful information about the wage calculations! I'm being laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be straightforward for the reason. I'll definitely gather my recent pay stubs before filing Monday so I have the gross weekly wage info ready. Better to have everything organized upfront than scramble for numbers during the application process. Thanks for clarifying the laid off vs fired distinction too - that could definitely trip someone up if they're not sure how to categorize their situation.
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Ravi Choudhury
Also worth mentioning - if you're getting any severance pay or vacation payout, make sure to report this accurately when filing. NYS DOL needs to know about any payments you're receiving related to your employment, even after your last day of work. Severance can sometimes delay when your benefits start, but it's better to be upfront about it than have issues later. The system will walk you through what needs to be reported, but having that information ready will make the process smoother. Good luck with your claim!
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Tyler Murphy
•Great point about severance pay! I actually am getting a small severance package, so I'm glad you mentioned that. I was wondering if I should wait until after the severance period ends to file, but sounds like I should still file right away and just report it accurately. Do you know if they'll ask for documentation of the severance amount, or is it just self-reported during the application? I want to make sure I handle this part correctly since it's my first time dealing with unemployment.
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