New York Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) administers unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for New York unemployment benefits.

New York Unemployment at a Glance

Eligibility Requirements

Earnings Requirements

Base period: New York uses wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.

Minimum earnings: You must have:

• Wages in at least two calendar quarters of your base period
• At least $3,400 in your highest-paying quarter (2024)
• Total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter wages

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
• Physically able to work and available for work
• Actively seeking employment each week
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

How to File in New York

Online (Recommended)

Website: NY.gov Unemployment

Steps:

1. Create a NY.gov ID account
2. Complete your unemployment claim online
3. Attend a required phone appointment if scheduled
4. Certify weekly for benefits

By Phone

NY DOL Phone: 1-888-209-8124

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 7:30 PM; Saturday, 7:30 AM - 8 PM

Information You'll Need

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID number
• Employment history for the last 18 months
• Employer names, addresses, dates of employment
• Reason for separation from each job
• Alien registration number (if applicable)

Benefit Amounts in New York

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Formula: High quarter wages ÷ 26 = Weekly Benefit Amount

Minimum weekly benefit: $104 Maximum weekly benefit: $504

Example Calculations

Total Benefit Amount

Maximum total benefits: 26 weeks or 26 times your weekly benefit amount.

Weekly Certification

You must certify every week to receive benefits (unlike some states that certify bi-weekly).

How to Certify

Online: Log into your NY.gov account and complete weekly certification

By phone: Use the automated Tel-Service system at 1-888-581-5812

Certification Schedule

New York assigns certification days based on your Social Security Number:

• SSN ending in 0-1: Monday
• SSN ending in 2-3: Tuesday
• SSN ending in 4-5: Wednesday
• SSN ending in 6-7: Thursday
• SSN ending in 8-9: Friday

Questions Asked

• Were you ready, willing, and able to work?
• Did you look for work?
• Did you refuse any work?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Were you attending school?

Work Search Requirements

New York requires active job searching each week.

Requirements

• Complete at least 3 work search activities per week
• Keep detailed records of all activities
• Be available for and actively seeking full-time work
• Accept suitable work if offered

Acceptable Activities

• Applying for jobs
• Attending job interviews
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Attending job fairs
• Taking skills assessments
• Networking for job leads

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

New York uses a "partial day" system:

• 1 day of work: 25% reduction
• 2 days of work: 50% reduction
• 3 days of work: 75% reduction
• 4+ days of work: No benefits that week

Any day you work more than 4 hours counts as a full day.

Earnings Cap

If you earn more than $504 (the maximum benefit) in a week, you won't receive benefits that week.

Severance Pay in New York

Lump-sum severance: Generally does NOT affect benefits

Severance paid weekly: May delay benefits for the period covered

Report all severance payments when filing your claim. NY DOL will determine if it affects your benefits.

Appeals Process

If denied, you have 30 days from the mailing date to appeal.

Steps:

1. File your appeal online, by mail, or by fax
2. Attend a telephone hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
3. Receive a written decision
4. Further appeal to the Appeal Board if needed

Common Issues for NY Filers

Phone Appointment

Many claims require a phone interview. Make sure to:

• Answer calls from unknown numbers during your scheduled window
• Have your documentation ready
• Be prepared to explain your separation from employment

Weekly vs. Bi-Weekly

Remember: New York requires weekly certification, not bi-weekly like some states.

Direct Deposit

Set up direct deposit for faster payment. Debit card payments can take longer.

Tips for New York Filers

1. File immediately — The one-week waiting period starts when you file
2. Certify weekly — NY requires weekly (not bi-weekly) certification
3. Answer your phone — Many claims require phone appointments
4. Keep work search records — Document all 3+ activities per week
5. Report all earnings — Even small amounts from gig work
6. Check your messages — DOL communicates through your online account
7. Know your certification day — Based on your SSN

Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $504/week for up to 26 weeks
2. One-week waiting period before benefits start
3. Weekly certification required (not bi-weekly)
4. 3 work search activities per week minimum
5. Phone appointments are common — answer unknown calls
6. 30-day appeal deadline if denied

Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• First 24 Hours After Layoff →