The two ways to file in New York

New York has two separate unemployment systems, and which one you use depends on what kind of work you lost. The regular unemployment insurance (UI) program covers most private-sector jobs and some public-sector work. The Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) program covers self-employed people, gig workers, and others who don't may have access to for regular UI — though PUA is no longer accepting new claims as of September 2021, so this applies only if you filed before that date.

Most people filing for the first time will use the regular UI system. You can file online through the New York Department of Labor website, by phone, or by mail. Online is fastest — you'll get a decision within two to three weeks instead of four to six weeks by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file through the New York Department of Labor, either online at labor.ny.gov, by calling 1-888-209-8124, or by mail to the address listed on the Department of Labor website.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and employment history for the past 18 months ready before you start, because the form will ask for specific dates and employer names.
  • You must have worked in New York or for a New York employer, earned at least $2,700 in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file), and be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  • After you file, you'll receive a notice in the mail within two weeks telling you whether you were found to have a valid claim; if you disagree with the decision, you have 30 days to request a hearing.
  • Once approved, you must file weekly claims every Sunday through Thursday to continue receiving payments, and you must report any work or income you earn during that week.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents and information before you open the process. Having everything ready means you won't lose your place or have to start over if you get disconnected.

You'll need your Social Security number, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your employment history for the past 18 months. For each job, write down the employer name, the address, your job title, the dates you worked there, your hourly wage or salary, and the reason you left. If you were laid off, say that. If you quit, write down why — the system will ask. If you were fired, write down what happened.

You'll also need your bank account number and routing number if you want direct deposit, or you can choose to receive a debit card by mail. Direct deposit is faster — payments arrive within two business days instead of five to seven.

If you worked for more than one employer in the past 18 months, list all of them. The Department of Labor will contact them to verify your wages and the reason you left.

Filing online through the New York Department of Labor website

Go to labor.ny.gov and look for the "File for Unemployment Insurance" button on the homepage. You'll be taken to a login page. If you don't have an account, click "Create Account" and follow the prompts. You'll need an email address and a password.

Once you're logged in, select "File a New Claim" and choose "Regular Unemployment Insurance." The form will ask you to confirm your personal information, employment history, and reason for unemployment. Answer each question carefully — if you make a mistake, you can correct it later, but it's easier to get it right the first time.

When you reach the question about why you're unemployed, be specific. Don't just write "laid off" — write "Company closed the location" or "Position eliminated due to restructuring." The Department of Labor uses your answer to determine whether you're disqualified for any reason, such as quitting without good cause or being fired for misconduct.

At the end, you'll see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You'll need it if you have to contact the Department of Labor about your claim. The system will also send you a confirmation email.

Filing by phone or mail if you can't use the website

If you don't have internet access or prefer to file by phone, call the New York Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays. Have all your employment information ready before you call, because the representative will ask for it while you're on the line.

To file by mail, read the process form from labor.ny.gov or call the Department of Labor to request one. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail takes longer — expect four to six weeks for a decision instead of two to three weeks online.

What happens after you file

Within two weeks, you'll receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Labor. This notice will tell you whether your claim was found to have a valid basis — meaning you meet the basic requirements for unemployment benefits. It will also tell you your weekly benefit amount if you were approved.

If you disagree with the decision, you have 30 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing. You can request a hearing online through your account on labor.ny.gov, by phone, or by mail. A hearing officer will review your case and make a final decision.

If your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week to continue receiving payments. You can file weekly claims online through your labor.ny.gov account, by phone, or by mail. The important date is every Sunday through Thursday. If you miss a week, you won't receive a payment for that week, and you'll have to file a new claim to restart your benefits.

Reporting work and income while you receive benefits

If you work part-time or earn any income during a week you file a weekly claim, you must report it. The Department of Labor will reduce your benefit payment based on how much you earned, but you may still receive a partial payment.

When you file your weekly claim, the system will ask whether you worked that week. Answer honestly. If you earned money and don't report it, the Department of Labor will find out when your employer reports your wages, and you'll have to repay the benefits you received. This is called an overpayment, and it can take months to resolve.

The Department of Labor allows you to earn a small amount each week without losing all your benefits. The exact amount changes each year, but it's usually around $50 to $100. Anything you earn above that amount will reduce your weekly benefit dollar-for-dollar.

Common reasons claims are denied

The most common reason a claim is denied is that you didn't earn enough in the base period — the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $2,700 during that time. If you worked part-time or started a job late in the year, you might not meet this requirement.

Another common reason is that you quit your job without good cause. "Good cause" means you had a legitimate reason to leave — for example, your employer cut your hours drastically, you were being harassed, or you had a medical condition that made the job unsafe. If you quit because you didn't like the job or wanted to try something else, that's not good cause, and your claim will be denied.

If you were fired for misconduct, your claim may also be denied. Misconduct means you deliberately broke a rule or did something you knew was wrong. Being late a few times or making an honest mistake usually isn't misconduct. But theft, violence, or repeated violations after being warned are.

If your claim is denied for any of these reasons, you can request a hearing to explain your situation. Many people win their hearings by providing more details about what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If you file online, you'll receive a decision within two to three weeks. If your claim is approved, your first payment arrives within two business days if you chose direct deposit, or five to seven business days if you're receiving a debit card by mail. If you file by mail or phone, add two to three weeks to these timelines.

What if I was laid off but my employer says I quit?

Write down exactly what happened on your process — for example, "Employer said position was eliminated, but I was told to resign or be fired." Request a hearing if your claim is denied. The Department of Labor will contact your employer and ask them to provide documentation of the layoff, such as a notice or severance letter. If your employer can't prove you quit, you'll likely win.

Can I file for unemployment if I'm still working part-time?

Yes. You can file if you're unemployed or partially unemployed. If you're working part-time, report your earnings on your weekly claim, and the Department of Labor will reduce your benefit based on how much you earned. You may still receive a partial payment.

What if I moved out of New York after I was laid off?

You can still file for New York unemployment if you worked in New York or for a New York employer when you were laid off. You'll continue to receive benefits even if you move to another state, as long as you file your weekly claims on time. Some states have reciprocal agreements with New York, so contact the unemployment office in your new state to see if you need to file there instead.

What do I do if the Department of Labor says I owe money back?

If you received benefits you weren't supposed to receive — for example, because you didn't report work income — the Department of Labor will send you a notice saying you have an overpayment. You can request a hearing to dispute it, or you can set up a payment plan. Contact the Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124 to discuss your options.