Where to cash unemployment check near me - NYS Department of Labor payment options?
I just got my first unemployment check from NYS Department of Labor but I don't have a bank account right now. Does anyone know where I can cash these checks without getting hit with crazy fees? Are there specific places that work better for unemployment checks or do they treat them like regular paychecks? I'm in the Albany area if that helps. Also wondering if there's a way to switch to direct deposit mid-claim or if I'm stuck with paper checks until my claim ends.
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Javier Cruz
Most Walmart locations will cash unemployment checks for a small fee, usually around $4 for checks under $1000. You can also try check-cashing places but they typically charge 2-3% which gets expensive fast. For direct deposit, log into your my.ny.gov account and look for payment method options under your NYS Department of Labor profile. You should be able to switch to direct deposit even after your claim started.
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Natasha Orlova
•Thanks! I'll try Walmart first since that fee sounds way better than the 3% the check cashing place quoted me.
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Emma Thompson
walmart works but you need to bring ID and the fees add up over time. i switched to direct deposit after my second payment and it was super easy just had to update my banking info online
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Malik Jackson
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to change your payment method, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself since their phone lines are always busy.
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Natasha Orlova
•Interesting, I'll check that out if I can't get through online. The payment method change seems straightforward but good to know there's a backup option.
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Isabella Costa
Check if your local grocery stores cash checks - some do it for free if you're buying groceries at the same time. Also credit unions are usually cheaper than banks if you need to open an account.
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StarSurfer
Just be careful about where you go - some places won't cash government benefit checks or they'll hold them for days to clear. Unemployment checks from NYS Department of Labor are usually pretty reliable though so most places should take them.
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