New York State Unemployment Insurance Details: NYS Unemployment Insurance (UI) is temporary income for eligible workers who lose their jobs without their own fault. To collect New York State Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must be ready, willing/able to work, and actively looking for work during each week in which you are claiming benefits.
About Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is temporary income:
- For eligible workers
- Who lose their jobs
- Through no fault of their own
In New York State, employers pay contributions that fund Unemployment Insurance. It is not deducted from your paycheck. The NYS Dept of Labor decides if you qualify for benefits.
Eligibility
To qualify for NYS UI benefits, you must have enough work hours and wages in covered employment. In New York State, employers pay contributions that fund Unemployment Insurance. It is not deducted from your paycheck.
In order to receive benefits, claimants should be:
- Ready to start working right away, and
- Physically and mentally able to work
New York State Unemployment Benefits:
New York State Unemployment Insurance benefits provide temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed. The UI Benefits are administered by the NYS Department of Labor office. A portion of the benefits are paid for by employers. No interpretations are taken from a worker’s paycheck for this program
Following are step by step process on how to apply for benefits:
- Sign in with your New York GOV ID
- Follow the instructions to file a claim
- Submit your application
- The NYS Dept of Labor will evaluate your claim for Unemployment Insurance benefits and decide if you qualify
To apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits, see How to File a Claim.
You may file your claim – web service
- Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: Anytime
- Sunday: Until 7 p.m.
You may file your claim – phone service
Call the New York State Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124. (8 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday)
If you file your claim by phone, we offer translation services. Use your phone keypad to enter the number for the language you choose.
- English
- Spanish
- Russian
- Cantonese
- Mandarin
- Creole
- Korean
- Polish
- All other languages
Things you need to file your claim
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your Driver License/Motor Vehicle ID Card Number
- Your complete mailing address and zip code
- Phone Number
- Your Alien Registration card number (If you are not a U.S. Citizen)
- Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer.
- Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
- Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service
For more information, please visit the New York State Department of Labor website.