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.
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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