Where to log in and what you need
New York's unemployment system uses a single online portal called UI Online, run by the Department of Labor. You log in at uionline.labor.ny.gov — not through a separate site for each program or region. This is where you file weekly claims, check your payment status, update your address, and view your claim history.
To log in, you need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first filed. If you do not have an account yet, you create one during the initial claim process. The system does not send you a username — your Social Security number is what you use to sign in.
You can log in from any computer or phone with internet access. The site works on mobile browsers, though the full desktop version gives you more options for managing your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Log in at uionline.labor.ny.gov using your Social Security number and the password you created when you filed your claim.
- If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — you will receive a reset email within a few minutes.
- You must file your weekly claim every week on the day assigned to you, or your benefits will not be paid that week.
- If you cannot remember your Social Security number or have trouble logging in after three attempts, call the Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124.
What to do if you forgot your password
Click the "Forgot Password" link on the uionline.labor.ny.gov login page. Enter your Social Security number. The system will send a password reset email to the address on file with your claim — usually within a few minutes, sometimes up to an hour during high-traffic times.
Check your email inbox and your spam folder. The email will come from noreply@labor.ny.gov and will contain a link to create a new password. That link works for 24 hours. If you do not receive the email after an hour, try the reset again or call the Department of Labor.
Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one number and one capital letter. Write it down somewhere safe so you do not lose it again.
Filing your weekly claim after you log in
Once you are logged in, you will see your weekly claim form if one is due. New York assigns each person a filing day based on their Social Security number — some file on Sundays, others on Mondays, and so on through Saturday. You must file on your assigned day or the day after; filing early does not work.
The form asks whether you worked that week, earned any money, refused any job offers, and received any other income like severance or vacation pay. Answer honestly. If you worked even a few hours, you must report it — the state reduces your benefit by a portion of what you earned, but you still receive partial payment.
After you submit the form, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Take a screenshot or write it down. The system will also show you when your payment is scheduled — usually within two business days if everything is correct.
Checking your payment status and claim details
After you log in, the dashboard shows your current claim status, your weekly benefit amount, and the date of your last payment. If you want to see older information, click on "Claim History" or "Payment History" depending on what you need.
Payment history shows every week you were paid and the amount. If a week shows $0, it means either you did not file that week, you reported work income that reduced your benefit to zero, or there was a problem with your claim that week. Hover over or click the week to see the reason.
If you see a payment that has not arrived, check the date it was supposed to be paid. New York typically pays by direct deposit two business days after you file, but delays happen during system maintenance or if there is a problem with your bank account information.
Updating your address, bank account, or contact information
Log in and look for a "Profile" or "Account Settings" section — the exact name changes occasionally, but it is usually near the top right of the page or in a menu. From there you can change your mailing address, phone number, or email address.
To change your bank account for direct deposit, go to the same section and look for "Payment Method" or "Direct Deposit Information." You will need your new bank's routing number and your account number. Changes usually take effect within one to two weeks.
If you move or change your phone number, update it right away. The Department of Labor may need to contact you about your claim, and mail sent to an old address can cause delays or missed notices.
What to do if you cannot log in after multiple attempts
If you have tried logging in three times with your Social Security number and password and the system keeps rejecting you, stop trying. Too many failed attempts can temporarily lock your account for security reasons.
Call the Department of Labor's UI hotline at 1-888-209-8124. Have your Social Security number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again in a few minutes rather than staying on hold.
Tell the representative you cannot log in. They can reset your account, verify your identity, and help you file your weekly claim over the phone if needed. They can also tell you whether there is a problem with your claim that is preventing login — for example, if the state is reviewing something and has locked your account temporarily.
Logging in on a phone or tablet
The UI Online site works on mobile browsers without downloading an app. Open your phone's browser, go to uionline.labor.ny.gov, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The mobile version is smaller but has all the main functions: filing your weekly claim, checking your payment status, and updating your information.
If the mobile site is slow or hard to read, try switching to desktop view in your browser settings. Some people find it easier to file on a computer, but filing on your phone works just as well as long as you have internet access.
Do not read anything that claims to be a New York unemployment app unless it comes directly from the official App Store or Google Play and is labeled as made by the New York Department of Labor. Fake apps exist and can steal your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I log in and my claim says "inactive" or "closed"?
An inactive claim usually means you have not filed a weekly form in several weeks, or your benefits ran out. A closed claim means the state ended your may be able to access — often because you returned to work, refused a job offer, or were disqualified for another reason. Log in to see the reason, or call 1-888-209-8124 to ask the Department of Labor.
Can I file my weekly claim early, on the day before my assigned day?
No. The system will not let you file before your assigned day. If you file on the wrong day, it may not count toward that week's payment. File on your assigned day or the day after, but not before.
Is uionline.labor.ny.gov the only place I can file my claim?
Yes, for most people. You can also file by phone at 1-888-209-8124 if you cannot use the website, but the online system is faster and gives you a confirmation number right away. Some people in special situations may be able to file in person at a Department of Labor office, but you have to call first to arrange it.
What should I do if I see a payment I did not expect or a payment that is the wrong amount?
Do not spend it yet. Log in and check your claim history to see what week it covers. If it is wrong, call 1-888-209-8124 and explain the problem. The state may have made an error, or there may be an issue with your claim that you need to know about. It is better to report it than to have the state ask for the money back later.
Can someone else log into my account if I give them my Social Security number and password?
Technically yes, but do not do it. Your account is tied to your identity and your benefits. If someone else logs in and files a false claim or changes your bank account, it can cause serious problems. Keep your password private. If you need help managing your claim, call the Department of Labor and ask them to help you over the phone instead.