Where can I apply for unemployment benefits in New York?
I just got laid off from my job at a manufacturing plant in Rochester and need to file for unemployment benefits. I've never done this before and I'm honestly confused about where to even start the application process. Do I apply online somewhere or do I need to go to a physical office? I heard there's a website but I want to make sure I'm doing this right and not missing any steps. Can someone walk me through where exactly I need to go to apply for unemployment in New York?
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Brandon Parker
You apply online through the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. You'll need to create an account on my.ny.gov first, then you can access the unemployment services. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready. You should apply as soon as possible after losing your job since there's a waiting period.
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Chloe Zhang
•Thank you! Do I need any specific documents from my employer or just my own records?
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Adriana Cohn
The online application is pretty straightforward. You'll go to labor.ny.gov and look for the 'File a Claim' section. They'll ask for details about your last employer, your wages, and why you're no longer working. The system will walk you through each step. Just make sure you have accurate dates and wage information because any mistakes can delay your claim.
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Jace Caspullo
•agreed, accuracy is super important. i made a typo on my employer's name and it held up my claim for 2 weeks
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Melody Miles
If you're having trouble getting through the website or need help with the application, I actually used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach a NYS Department of Labor agent directly. Sometimes the website can be confusing for first-time filers and it's helpful to talk to someone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
•Is that legit? I've never heard of using a service to contact unemployment.
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Melody Miles
•Yeah it's real, they just help you get through to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor when the phone lines are busy. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Eva St. Cyr
Whatever you do, DON'T wait to apply! I made that mistake thinking I'd find another job quickly and missed out on weeks of benefits. The NYS Department of Labor has a one-week waiting period anyway, so the sooner you file the better. And yes, it's all online now - they closed most of the physical offices during COVID and never reopened them.
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Chloe Zhang
•Good to know about the waiting period. I was wondering if I'd get paid right away.
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