Where to apply for unemployment benefits in NY - confused about the process
I just got laid off from my job at a retail store and I'm completely lost about where to apply for unemployment benefits. I've never done this before and honestly have no idea where to even start. I keep seeing different websites when I search online and I'm worried about applying on the wrong site or missing something important. Can someone walk me through exactly where I need to go to file my initial claim? I really need to get this right the first time because I can't afford any delays with my rent due next week.
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Aisha Jackson
You need to apply through the official NYS Department of Labor website at labor.ny.gov. Don't use any third-party sites or services that might charge you fees. The application is completely free. You'll create an account on their system and file your initial claim there. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from your last job ready before you start.
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Adrian Connor
•Thank you! Should I apply right away or wait a certain amount of time after being laid off?
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Ryder Everingham
Apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting period but your claim date starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. You can apply online 24/7 through the NYS Department of Labor portal. You'll also need to set up direct deposit and start filing weekly claims right away to get paid.
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Lilly Curtis
•This is so important - I waited a week to apply thinking I needed some cooling off period and basically lost that week of benefits.
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Leo Simmons
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for three days about my claim status and keep getting disconnected. If you run into phone issues like I did, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to actual agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.
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Lindsey Fry
•Wait is that legit? I'm so frustrated with not being able to reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Leo Simmons
•Yeah it's real, they basically handle the calling for you and get you connected when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Saleem Vaziri
been there done that just go to ny.gov and look for unemployment stuff its not that hard to find
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Kayla Morgan
When I applied last year it took forever to get approved because they had to verify my employment history. Make sure all your employer information is exactly right on the application or you'll end up in adjudication hell like I did. NYS Department of Labor is really picky about details.
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Adrian Connor
•What kind of employment information do they need exactly? I worked at a few different places in the past year.
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