Where to file unemployment near me - NYS Department of Labor locations vs online?
I need to file for unemployment but I'm not sure where to go. Should I file online through the NYS Department of Labor website or do I need to visit a physical office? I live in Rochester and I'm wondering if there are local offices where I can get help filing my claim. I've heard mixed things about the online system being confusing. What's the best way to get this done quickly?
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Marcelle Drum
You should definitely file online through my.ny.gov - that's the main portal for NYS Department of Labor unemployment claims. The physical offices are mainly for special situations now. The online system walks you through everything step by step. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer contact info.
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Collins Angel
•Thanks! Do I need any specific documents before I start the online application?
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Tate Jensen
The online filing is pretty straightforward once you get into it. Make sure you have your last employer's address and dates of employment ready. Also your bank account info if you want direct deposit. The whole process took me about 30 minutes when I filed last year.
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Adaline Wong
i tried calling the rochester office last month and they told me everything has to be done online now unless you have some special circumstance. save yourself the trip
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Gabriel Ruiz
•What counts as a special circumstance? I'm having trouble with the online system and keep getting error messages.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•If you're having technical issues with the online system, you can try calling the NYS Department of Labor customer service line, but honestly the wait times are brutal. I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent when I couldn't resolve my filing issues. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold.
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Peyton Clarke
Just go to my.ny.gov and click on unemployment services. The whole filing process is there. Don't waste time looking for physical locations - everything is digital now.
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