New York Unemployment

New York Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance benefits administered by the state of New York comprise temporary weekly payments for eligible workers who have lost employment through no fault of their own.

New Yorkers who lose their jobs are strongly encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance benefits during the first week of lost employment. In New York State, employers pay contributions that fund the state’s unemployment assistance program.

New York Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Unemployment Insurance in New York

Eligibility can be determined once your unemployment claim is reviewed. A New York claimant who meets the following criteria is likely to be approved for New York Unemployment Insurance benefits:

• Working and earning enough wages in covered employment, while working for an employer who pays unemployment insurance taxes

• Becoming unemployed through no fault of your own

• Being ready, willing, and able to accept work if and when it is offered

• Actively engaging in a work search for each week during which you are claiming benefits

Benefit Payments and Duration

How Do I Apply for Unemployment Insurance in New York?

New York uses a specific system for unemployment claim submission that is guided by your last name. For example, if you are submitting a new claim for unemployment assistance, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name.

• A – F should file their UI benefits claims on Monday

• G – N should file their UI benefits claims on Tuesday

• O- Z should file their UI benefits claims on Wednesday

To submit your unemployment insurance claim, create your NY.gov account and follow the instructions that guide you through submitting your initial unemployment claim.

If you have never before submitted a UI benefits claim in the state of New York, you will need to create a PIN. Your unique PIN will be used to check the status of your claim and to submit ongoing weekly unemployment compensation claims into the direct deposit option you set up.

If you are unable to submit your unemployment insurance claim online, you also may call the state of New York’s Telephone Claim Center during business hours to file a claim. The number is 888-209-8124, and agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Translation services are available for claimants who file by phone.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

Once you have filed a claim for benefits, you also must continue to claim a weekly benefit for each week you are unemployed and meet eligibility requirements. You also will see this process referred to as certifying for benefits.

As soon as you receive notice that your claim has been approved, you will be given your benefit amount and you may begin submitting weekly claims online. You must continue to submit this certification for each week you remain unemployed so that you continue to receive weekly unemployment compensation.

During this process, you will answer questions to confirm that you were unemployed for all or some portion of the previous week and that you met all other eligibility requirements for receiving benefits – such as continuing to look for suitable work.

Filing an Appeal

If your claim for benefits is denied, you then have 30 days to submit a request for appeal to the New York State Department of Labor. Your statement of appeal should clearly outline the reasons you believe the decision to deny your benefits is a mistake. An employer also has the same opportunity to file an appeal if unhappy with the decision regarding an employee claim decision.

After your request for appeal is received, you will be asked to participate in a hearing before an administrative law judge, during which you will answer questions related to your claim. The administrative law judge then will also review all pertinent documents before issuing a decision about your appeal.

How Do I Report Fraud?

The New York State Department of Labor works hard to protect the integrity of the state agency and all of its programs. In addition, the department works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, other government agencies, claimants, and employers across New York State and around the United States to stop fraudulent claims for UI benefits.

If you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting UI benefits, whether through identity theft or by providing other misinformation, you are strongly encouraged to submit an unemployment fraud report online.

New York Unemployment Office Locations