How do I file for unemployment benefits?

People can file for unemployment insurance either online or by telephone through the NYS Department of Labor.  Visit https://www.labor.ny.gov/ to file online and click on the step-by-step process to file a claim. To file by phone, call 1-888-209-8124. Telephone hours are Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5:00 pm. 

Eligibility:

To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment. In New York State, employers pay contributions that fund Unemployment Insurance. By law, the unemployment insurance program provides benefits to people who have enough employment to establish a claim, have lost employment through no fault of their own, are ready, willing, and able to work and are actively seeking work. If you worked in New York State within the last 18 months, you have the right to apply for benefits and are encouraged to apply even if you are uncertain.

Things you need to file a Ccaim:

• Social Security number
• Driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number • Complete mailing address and zip code
• A phone number where we can reach you from 8 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday
• Your Alien Registration card number or work authorization card(if you are not a U.S. Citizen and have a card)
• Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
• Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is on your W-2 forms)
• Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
• Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service

Reminders:

• After your application is processed, you will receive a notice telling you what your weekly benefit rate will be; the rate is based on your prior earnings and it can be from $132 to $504.
• If you cannot print web pages, have a pen and paper to copy information.
• If you choose direct deposit of your weekly benefits, you need a check that has your bank routing and checking account numbers.
• If you are denied NYS UI benefits, you can contact Legal Services NYC’s legal assistance hotline at 917-661-4500.

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.