Who can help file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - feeling completely lost
I just lost my job last week and I'm completely overwhelmed trying to figure out how to file for unemployment benefits. The NYS Department of Labor website is confusing and I keep getting error messages when I try to create an account. My former employer said I should be eligible but I have no idea where to start or who can help me through this process. Are there people who specialize in helping with unemployment claims? I'm worried I'm going to mess something up and delay my benefits. Has anyone used professional help to file their claim?
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William Schwarz
You can absolutely get help filing your unemployment claim! There are several options available. First, you can visit your local One-Stop Career Center - they have staff trained to help with NYS Department of Labor applications and they're free. You can also call the unemployment phone line, though wait times can be really long. Some people hire private services that specialize in unemployment claims, but honestly the One-Stop centers are your best bet for free, legitimate help.
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Ella Knight
•Thank you! I didn't know about the One-Stop centers. Are they able to help with the whole process or just the initial filing?
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Lauren Johnson
ugh the website is THE WORST. i tried for like 3 hours yesterday and kept getting kicked out. finally got through but then it said my ssn was already in use??? makes no sense
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Jade Santiago
•That SSN error usually means you have an old account from a previous claim. Try using the account recovery option instead of creating a new account.
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Caleb Stone
I was in the same boat last month and honestly it was a nightmare trying to get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor. The phone lines are constantly busy and the callback system never worked for me. I ended up using a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was worth it just to avoid the endless hold times and busy signals.
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Daniel Price
•How much did that cost? I'm already tight on money since losing my job.
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Caleb Stone
•I'd rather pay a little to get my claim filed correctly than risk delays that could cost me weeks of benefits. But definitely try the free options first like the One-Stop centers.
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Olivia Evans
Whatever you do, don't trust those scam websites that promise to file for you for hundreds of dollars upfront. Stick with legitimate options like the career centers or official NYS Department of Labor resources.
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Sophia Bennett
same thing happened to me last year except i waited 2 weeks before filing because i thought maybe my job would call me back. BIG mistake - you lose those first 2 weeks of benefits forever. file as soon as possible even if you think you might get your job back
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Ella Knight
•Oh wow, I didn't realize that! I'll definitely file this week then. Thanks for the warning.
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