When is it too late to apply for unemployment benefits in NY - missed deadline?

You can still apply! In New York, you generally have to file within one year of when you lost your job. Since you were laid off in October, you definitely haven't missed the deadline. However, you won't be able to get benefits for the weeks you didn't file - unemployment benefits start from the week you actually apply, not from when you lost your job. Go to the NYS Department of Labor website and file your claim as soon as possible.

Yeah definitely not too late but like the other person said, you can't get benefits for weeks you didn't claim. I made the same mistake when I got laid off - waited 6 weeks thinking I'd find something fast and lost out on like $2400. File online at labor.ny.gov right away and start your weekly claims immediately.

Wait is there really no way to get backpay?? I thought there were exceptions for good cause or something. This seems unfair for people who don't know about unemployment right away.

The NYS Department of Labor system is so frustrating with this stuff. They should automatically tell people about unemployment when they file for their final paycheck or something. I had to call them like 15 times just to get through when I was trying to figure out my claim status. If you're having trouble reaching them to ask questions about backdating, I actually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Just file now and don't worry about what you missed. I filed 2 months late last year and still got my benefits going forward. The important thing is you're eligible for future weeks once you start claiming. Make sure you keep track of your job search activities too since they require that now.

Don't beat yourself up about waiting - you're definitely not alone in this situation! The good news is you still have plenty of time to file since NY gives you a full year from your job loss date. I'd recommend filing your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov ASAP, then immediately start doing your weekly certifications. Even though you can't get those past months back, getting started now will at least help with your current bills. Also, when you file, be honest about when you lost your job and why you didn't file earlier - sometimes they do consider backdating requests if you have a valid reason, though it's not common. The worst they can say is no, but you might as well ask. Good luck with your job search too!

Hey Samantha! You're definitely not too late - NY gives you a full year from your layoff date to file, so you still have until October to apply. I went through something similar last year and the stress is real, but you haven't missed your window! File online at labor.ny.gov as soon as you can. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from your last job (dates, employer contact info, reason for separation). While you can't get benefits for the weeks you didn't file, getting started now will help with those bills going forward. The weekly benefit amount is based on your past wages, so even starting late you should still get a decent amount. Don't let the regret about waiting stop you from getting help now - just focus on moving forward and getting that claim filed today if possible!

I was in almost the exact same situation as you! Got laid off in September and waited until December to file because I kept thinking I'd find something soon. The regret about those missed months was eating at me, but honestly once I got my first unemployment payment it was such a relief to finally have some income coming in. The online application at labor.ny.gov is pretty straightforward - took me about 20 minutes. Make sure you have your last employer's info handy and be prepared to do weekly certifications every Sunday. Also, start keeping a log of your job search activities right away because they require proof that you're actively looking. I used a simple spreadsheet with company names, positions applied for, and dates. The weekly benefit really does help with bills even if it's not your full salary. Don't wait any longer - file today!