How to apply for New York unemployment insurance benefits

When Dina Halpern, a mother of three from Cedarhurst, applied for unemployment benefits about 18 months ago she said she found the application process "frustrating."   

“The questionnaire when you call up, it’s not very clear even if you speak the language,” Halpern said, adding she was denied benefits because she didn't meet certain work requirements. 

Unemployment benefits are a lifeline for many Americans who are out of work at a time when the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to cut jobs across federal agencies and other industries also are shedding workers.

On Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that the maximum weekly benefit for unemployment recipients would increase to $869 from $504 starting in October.

The increased benefits are a result of the state paying off its nearly $7 billion in debt to the federal government to cover unemployment claims during the pandemic.

“Paying off the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund loan will give workers and businesses a sense of relief,” Hochul said.

Although the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits is down nationally, according to federal numbers, recent data from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows that layoffs are on the rise.

Nationally, employers announced 62,075 layoffs in July, up 29% from June and 140% higher than the 25,885 layoffs announced in July 2024, according to the firm. So far this year, a total of 806,383 layoffs have been announced, the highest since 2020.

On Long Island, last week, 1,651 residents filed for unemployment insurance, according to state Labor Department figures.

Here’s what you need to know about filing for unemployment insurance benefits in 2025.

How do I know if I’m eligible for unemployment?

According to the state Department of Labor, New Yorkers who have lost their job through no fault of their own, are actively job hunting and “are ready, willing and able to work” are eligible.

Applicants must have worked a paid job in at least two calendar quarters within a certain period.

Independent contractors, while traditionally ineligible for benefits, can also apply as the state may determine a worker’s classification as a contractor erroneous.

How do I file for unemployment?

Applicants can begin their filing process by visiting Labor Department’s application portal, or by calling 1-888-209-8124 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What documents do I need to submit?

Applicants should have essential documentation, including their Social Security number, driver’s license number, names and addresses of employers from the last 18 months, and the employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) found on W-2 tax forms, according to the Labor Department.

Non-citizens should also have their alien registration number, found on their green card.

I was fired. Do I still qualify?

Being fired is not enough to disqualify an applicant, said Raymond Nardo, a Mineola-based employment attorney who handles unemployment appeals.

While a worker fired for misconduct, interpreted as willfully negligent or harmful acts on the job, such as theft, physical violence or workplace drug use, can be denied unemployment, doing poorly on the job is not enough to deny unemployment, Nardo said.

“If it’s poor performance or poor judgment you should get unemployment,” he said.

Can I get unemployment if I quit my job?

Quitting without “good cause,” according to the state, could lead to an applicant being denied. Leaving a job because an applicant didn’t like their boss or because the workload was too stressful are not examples of good cause, Nardo said.

However, an employee who quits on the spot in response to workplace harassment might meet the good cause standard, said Tana Forrester, employment attorney with Kessler Matura in Melville.

“If you are quitting because the situation is so unbearable because you’re being discriminated against,” unemployment may be granted, Forrester said.

How much time does it take to receive benefits?

“It can take three to six weeks from the time a claim is filed to when the first payment is received,” Aaron Fallon, public information manager for the DOL, said in an email.

For how long will I get unemployment? 

Recipients of cash benefits can receive them for up to 26 weeks during a given benefit year, according to the state. Claimants must certify each Sunday that they remain unemployed, according to the state.

Can I appeal a rejection?

Nardo said as soon as an applicant receives an initial denial of benefits, they should seek a hearing with an administrative law judge with the Labor Department who can then review the application and any counter claims from former employers.

“You have 30 days to request a hearing,” Nardo said.