How to File for Unemployment in NY

The state of New York (NY) provides unemployment insurance for qualified workers who lost their job. To file for unemployment benefits in NY you need to be ready, willing and able to work but have lost your job. This article will help get you started if you need to file for unemployment in NY.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. File for unemployment in New York immediately after you find out that you lost your job. A delay in filing could mean a delay and loss of potential unemployment insurance benefits.
   
   To qualify you must have lost your job because of no fault of your own. You also must be ready willing and able to work.

2. Gather the following before you file for unemployment:
   
   A. Your Social Security number
   B. Your New York (NY) State driver's license or ID card number
   C. Your complete New York mailing address and zip code
   D. Telephone number where you can be contacted between 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday
   E. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your Alien Registration card number
   F. The names and addresses of all employers where you have worked within the last 18 months. If you worked in another state during this time, include these as well.
   G. If you had federal employment within the last 18 months you will need copies of forms SF8 and SF50.
   H. Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is found on your W-2 forms)
   I. If you were in the military in the previous 18 months have a copy of your most recent separation form DD 214.

3. Go to the secure website https://ui.labor.state.ny.us/UBC (A hyperlink is also provided under the resources section). You will need to file online between the hours of 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Thursday (Eastern Time), Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, all day Saturday, and Sunday until 7:00 PM. You may claim benefits for last week between the hours of 7:30 am to midnight Sunday through Saturday.
   
   This site is operated by the New York State Department of Labor.

4. Enter your social security number to start your application for unemployment. Fill in each field of data requested from the information you gathered in step 2. If you do not know something you can skip it, however, there is a potential for delayed processing of your claim.

5. Select a direct deposit method of payment to your checking account or a direct payment card. You will have to wait one full before your unemployment benefits will start. If you have severance from your employer, you will have to wait until payments for severance end to start collecting unemployment in NY.

Tips & Warnings

• Always provide accurate information to the NYS Department of Labor. Do not provide false information.

Resources

• NYS Dept. of Labor - Unemployment Website

[sonni57]

on 7/22/2009 I used to live in NYC you never know I may go back one day thanks for the good info on unemployment.