Head Office
NYS Department of Labor
Building 12 W.A.
Harriman Campus
Albany, NY 12240
Support
Phone: 888-209-8124 (claims assistance)
Phone: 800-833-3000 (NY.gov queries)
Phone: 800-533-6600 (collections unit)
Phone: 888-469-7365 (general)
Email: nysdol@labor.ny.gov
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About New York unemployment insurance
Workers across New York state who are unemployed for no fault of their own may qualify for unemployment benefits. The New York state Department of Labor is responsible for administering the unemployment insurance program. The eligibility requirements to qualify demand that those applying for benefits be available to work and has been actively seeking for one. The self-employed as well can file for benefits online. Additionally, you must meet the state requirement for wages during a “base period”. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. Federal regulations require that you have received wages in at least two of the quarters.
Filing for benefits can be done on phone or online by creating an account on NY.gov. While filling the application, you will need to furnish your Social Security Number, driver’s license information and past employment/employer details. The names and addresses of all employers for the last 18 months will need to be listed. And your account number and routing number is required if you are opting for direct deposit. If you are not a US citizen, the law requires that you have an Alien Registration card. After the application has been submitted, you can sign into your account to check the status, view/print tax forms and modify payment information. If your application has met the unemployment qualifications for benefits, you will receive a Determination Notice with intimation of same.
According to the joint state-federal program, the minimum benefit for New York in 2020 has been capped at $104 a week and the maximum benefit at $504 a week. The amount varies according to state. There is a benefit rate calculator on the website to help claimants estimate their weekly benefit amount. Once a claim is complete, payments will be issued in three to six weeks. Claimants must request benefits payment every week online or by phone. For those who are unaware, the unemployment benefits can be received for up to 39 weeks. Weekly benefits can be received by direct bank deposit or debit card. For those who have received a determination showing status as denied, you may request a hearing within 30 days. A request for hearing can be filed online through your NY.gov account. The same can also be done at nearest New York unemployment office.
According to the unemployment insurance program, claimants receiving benefits as well are required to look for full-time work. Each week you must keep a record of the work search activities. You can approach the local New York State Career Center for counselling and assistance with finding a job. You can register on the NY Hire Now website to connect with an employer. The job platform allows users to filter a job by keyword, title, area and company. Workers can also develop an impressive resume and explore training opportunities on the JobZone website. For creating a work search record, you can download the form on the website. There are also forms for request for reconsideration, hearing, income tax withholding report, and self employment assistance program. For queries on filing claim, appeal, Coronavirus-related relief package, payment or others, reach the NYS Dept of Labor support.
