When to collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor - timing questions
I'm trying to figure out when exactly I should start collecting unemployment benefits. My last day of work is this Friday and I'm not sure if I should file right away or wait. I heard there's a waiting period but I'm confused about when that starts counting. Also wondering if there are specific situations where you shouldn't collect even if you're eligible? I've never been through this process before and want to make sure I do everything correctly with NYS Department of Labor.
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AstroExplorer
You should file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's no waiting period in NY anymore - they eliminated that back in 2021. The sooner you file with NYS Department of Labor, the sooner your benefits can start. Just make sure you have all your employer information ready including dates of employment and reason for separation.
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Amara Nwosu
•Thanks! I didn't know they got rid of the waiting period. Should I file on Monday then since Friday is my last day?
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Giovanni Moretti
File immediately but be careful about your circumstances. If you quit voluntarily without good cause, you might not be eligible. If you were fired for misconduct, same thing. But if you were laid off or fired for performance (not misconduct), you should be good to go. NYS Department of Labor will review your case during adjudication.
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Amara Nwosu
•I was laid off due to company downsizing so I think I'm okay on that front.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
Wait I thought there was still a waiting week? I filed last month and had to wait a week before getting anything...
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AstroExplorer
•The waiting week was eliminated in March 2021. If you had a delay last month it was probably due to adjudication or verification issues, not a waiting period.
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Dylan Cooper
Don't wait to file but also understand you need to be actively seeking work to continue receiving benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a job search log. You also can't turn down suitable work offers. Some people think unemployment is just free money but there are obligations that come with it.
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Sofia Perez
•This is so true! I learned the hard way that you have to document everything. They can ask for your job search records at any time.
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Dmitry Smirnov
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
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ElectricDreamer
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did it actually work for you?
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Yeah it connected me to an agent within like 20 minutes when I couldn't get through on my own for days.
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ElectricDreamer
Just remember you can't collect if you're getting severance pay in most cases. And if you have vacation time being paid out that might affect when you can start collecting too.
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Nasira Ibanez
One thing to keep in mind is that even though you should file right away, it can take some time for your claim to be processed and approved. NYS Department of Labor typically takes 2-3 weeks to review your application, especially if they need to verify information with your employer. So don't panic if you don't see payments immediately - that's normal. Just make sure you continue certifying for benefits every week while your claim is being processed, even before you get approved.
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