To claim unemployment benefits in New York, fully and partially unemployed workers must qualify according to state requirements. New York unemployment benefits claims are for residents who are unemployed through no fault of their own, have adequate employment history and are actively seeking new employment opportunities. Individuals cannot claim unemployment benefits if they voluntarily quit or lost employment due to discharge for misconduct.
New York unemployment benefits claims can only be determined if an individual has earned enough to establish a payment over the minimum amount. A claimant’s income during the past 18 months and whichever base period (basic or alternative) determines the amount of compensation for unemployment benefits claims. Claimants can request their benefit rate to be calculated using alternative factors, if they believe they will receive higher compensation via this method. Therefore, workers who know how to claim unemployment benefits using both base periods can get the most compensation for their claim.
Residents who meet the above requirements regarding claiming benefits for unemployment insurance must also continue to certify for benefits. Former workers who are not prepared or ready to accept new employment are not eligible to claim unemployment benefits in New York. Claimants sanctioned to receive compensation must claim benefits weekly.
How to Claim Unemployment Benefits in New York
To claim unemployment benefits in New York, former employees must meet the state’s qualifications stated above. Qualified workers can initiate an unemployment benefits claim for UI by calling the NY Department of Labor telephone claim center. The call center offers translators in many languages Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Individuals can also use their NY.gov ID to file a claim online by following the simple prompts. Claimants who know how to claim unemployment benefits online, can also use the site for their weekly unemployment benefits claims. The application review process can take three to six weeks. State law requires a one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance compensation. During this first week holding period, claimants must fulfill all requirements, like job searching and certifying for benefits.
How to Keep Your New York Unemployment Benefits Claim
After applying for a New York unemployment benefits claim, approved individuals must continue to certify in order to receive compensation payments. Claiming benefits for unemployment in New York requires workers to answer questions pertaining to their ability to accept work during the statutory week that starts each Monday. To claim unemployment benefits, unemployed individuals must complete and submit the questionnaire within the week that follows the claim week – between the last day of the claim week (Sunday) and the following Saturday.
Claimants can complete these weekly certifications by phone during call center hours or online during the following times:
- Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST
- Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
- Weekends from Saturday at 12:01 a.m. until Sunday at 7 p.m. EST
Claimants who miss the certification deadline can request credit by fax, mail or through the online messaging system on the website. The telephone claims center cannot credit a missed week. Workers who make a mistake must call the telephone claims center immediately or utilize the messaging feature on the website.
Another requirement to claim unemployment benefits in New York is actively seeking new employment opportunities. Claimants are required to keep a written work search record for each week they accept NY unemployment benefits claim payments. At any time, the Department of Labor may request a copy of this record. It must include the dates, names, addresses and phone numbers of employers contacted, as well as positions applied for, and the results. Claimants must contact at least three employers each week and on three separate days to be eligible for benefits. The maximum unemployment benefits claim is 26 weeks.
Learn About Federal Unemployment Benefits and Extensions
While federal law requires unemployment insurance, the state administrates the disbursement of benefits. During times of very high unemployment, the federal government grants eligible claimants, who have exhausted their regular New York unemployment benefits claim, a federal unemployment benefits extension. These federal unemployment benefits are contingent on the state meeting the unemployment threshold. Presently, NY unemployment benefits extensions are not available to claimants, as the state is below the required unemployment rate.
Learn About New York Unemployment Benefits and Federal Income Taxes
New York unemployment benefits claims are both state and federally taxable. Claimants can choose to have taxes withheld from each weekly compensation payment. The option to start or stop tax withholdings is available anytime online in the unemployment benefit section of the state website or by phone during call center hours. The NY Department of Labor cannot return taxes withheld to the claimant. However, income tax refunds return any overpayment. Claimants can use the website to print necessary tax documents, like the Statement for Recipients of Certain Government Payments (Form 1099-G).