Department of Labor
Due to enormous volume, there will be considerable wait time. Please be patient; everyone who is entitled will get their benefits.
THE BEST WAY TO FILE YOUR UI CLAIM IS ONLINE HERE
Please do not call the telephone claims center unless you are instructed to call to complete your application. If you are instructed to call to complete your claim, the only valid number is 1-888-209-8124.
If you are self-employed, you may now file for Unemployment Insurance benefits online. See the Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals.
If you are filing a new Unemployment Insurance claim, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name.
A - F file on Monday | G - N file on Tuesday | O - Z file on Wednesday
Missed your day? File on Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun
Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid for all benefits due.
Here is a step-by-step process to enter online services to file a claim. This is the best way to file a claim.
If you have to call the telephone claims center regarding your claim, call 1-888-209-8124 during the hours of operation:
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Please note that the telephone claims center cannot help you with issues related to your NY.gov account, such as difficulty logging in, changing your personal information or resetting your password.
For NY.gov assistance, please call 800-833-3000.
There are a few different situations regarding exhausted/expired UI benefits. Please read through to determine which fits you:
- If your benefit year expired after July 1, 2019, you will need to file a new claim to receive 13 additional weeks of benefits. You will receive a letter in the mail from the NYS DOL with more details.
- If your benefit year has not expired, but you exhausted your 26 weeks of benefits, you will receive a letter from NYS DOL advising you to begin certifying to receive the additional 13 weeks of benefits.
- If your benefit year has not expired, but you stopped claiming benefits before your 26 weeks were up (for example, if you went back to work), simply begin certifying for benefits again to start receiving UI benefits.
Promptly file your claim, in the first week that you lose your job. You must serve an unpaid “waiting period,” equal to one full week of unemployment benefits, before you receive payments. A delay in filing may cost you benefits. You can estimate your weekly benefit amount by using the benefit rate calculator on our website. Please note that the tool gives an estimate only. It does not guarantee that you will be eligible for benefits or a specific amount of benefits. You must file an Unemployment Insurance claim to find our if you are eligible and learn your actual benefit amount.
Note: NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
It is best to apply for UI online. Sign in with your NY.GOV ID and follow the instructions to file a claim. You may file your claim:
Call our Telephone Claim Center, toll-free during business hours to file a claim.
If you file by phone, we offer translation services. Use your phone keypad to enter the number for the language you choose. A voice recording will offer you these choices:
You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, missing information can delay your first payment.
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 have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State, you must create a PIN. This is a four-digit number that you must keep confidential.
If you have a disability and need help to file your claim, you may allow another person to aid you.
Callers may ask a friend or relative to help with phone claims if they:
Have your helper call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-783-1370.
Call a relay operator first at 1-800-662-1220, and ask the operator to call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-783-1370.
For more information, see our fact sheet: Do you help others apply or file for Unemployment Insurance?
For common questions about UI, go to our FAQs page. If you still have questions about UI or your claim, sign in with your NY.GOV ID and click on "Messages". See NY.GOV ID: Helpful Short Guides and Frequently Asked Questions to help you get started with NY.GOV ID.
For a recording of general information about UI, call the Tel-Service line at (888) 581-5812 and choose option 1 on the main menu.
It is against State and Federal law for the New York State Department of Labor to discriminate based on:
We will evaluate your claim for UI benefits and decide if you qualify, without regard to any of these factors.
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