Where do I file unemployment benefits in New York - confused about the process
I just got laid off from my retail job yesterday and I'm completely lost on where to file unemployment. My manager mentioned something about the state website but I have no idea where to start. Do I need to go to a physical office or can I do this online? I've never had to deal with this before and I'm honestly panicking a bit about how I'm going to pay rent next month. Any help would be appreciated!
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Morgan Washington
You file online through the NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. Create an account on my.ny.gov first, then navigate to the unemployment section. You can file your initial claim 24/7 online - no need to visit a physical office unless there are special circumstances. Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready.
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Layla Sanders
•Thank you! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off or can I file right away?
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Kaylee Cook
File as soon as possible! There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, but your claim date starts when you file, not when you were laid off. The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner that waiting week starts counting. Also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed.
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Oliver Alexander
•This is so important! I waited two weeks thinking I needed to 'cool off' first and it just delayed everything.
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Lara Woods
been there, the website can be confusing at first but once you get through the initial application its pretty straightforward. just make sure you have all your employer info handy including addresses and dates
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Adrian Hughes
If you're having trouble getting through on the phone to NYS Department of Labor (which happens a lot with their high call volume), there's a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that can help you get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and couldn't reach anyone for weeks.
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Layla Sanders
•Is that legit? I'm always worried about scam services when it comes to government stuff.
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Adrian Hughes
•Yeah it's legitimate - they just help you navigate the phone system to reach real NYS Department of Labor staff. You're still talking to actual state employees, not third-party representatives.
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Molly Chambers
The whole system is such a mess honestly. I filed three months ago and STILL dealing with adjudication issues. Good luck getting anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor - you'll be on hold for hours just to get disconnected.
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Ian Armstrong
•What kind of adjudication issues are you having? Sometimes there are things you can do to speed it up.
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Oliver Alexander
Just went through this myself last month! The my.ny.gov portal is pretty user-friendly once you get logged in. Make sure you answer all the questions accurately about why you were separated from your job - being laid off vs fired vs quit makes a difference in how they process your claim.
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