How does NYS Unemployment Insurance work?

To collect unemployment benefits, you must be ready, willing, and able to work, and you must be actively seeking work. You’ll need to keep a written record of your job search activities. Not sure if you qualify? File a claim anyway. New York State will review your application and determine your eligibility. You can file a claim for UI if you worked in New York State within the past 18 months but are now unemployed. Once your claim is approved, you can get up to 26 weeks of benefits while you’re unemployed. Income from unemployment benefits is taxable on your federal and state tax returns. You’ll need a valid Social Security Number and government-issued ID or employment authorization card (work permit). After you apply Processing your claim takes 3 to 6 weeks on average. New York State uses this time to review your information and verify your eligibility. You will not receive payments during this period, which is why you may see your claim status as “pending.” Your first payment arrives 2 to 3 weeks after your claim is completed. In some cases, New York State needs additional information before payment can be made, and your first payment may take longer. Watch out for scams Anyone calling from the New York State Department of Labor will verify their identity by providing two things: The date you filed your application The type of claim you filed If a caller can’t provide this information, do not share any personal details.

Am I eligible for NYS Unemployment Insurance?

To be eligible for Unemployment Insurance, you must: Have lost your job through no fault of your own Be actively seeking work and able to start a job immediately Be authorized to work in the US (and have been authorized when you lost your job) You’ll also need to: Keep a written record of your job search activities each week (you can use the JobZone work search tool ) Attend required appointments at your local Career Center Meet minimum earnings requirements ( see how much you need to have earned )

What do I need in order to apply to NYS Unemployment Insurance?

What you’ll need to file for Unemployment Insurance: Your personal information Full name, phone number, and mailing address Social Security Number Driver’s license, state ID, or employment authorization number (if you’re not a US citizen) Bank account number and routing number Information about your past jobs (last 18 months) Your employer’s legal name and address Your employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or New York State registration number (you can find this on your W-2 or employment record) Your start and end dates Your wage details If you served in the military in the last 18 months, you’ll also need your DD214

NYS Unemployment Insurance

Q: How do I Apply to NYS Unemployment Insurance?

Apply online at the NYS DOL website . Call 888-209-8124 .

How it works

If you lost your job through a layoff, business closure, or other reasons beyond your control, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI).

To collect unemployment benefits, you must be ready, willing, and able to work, and you must be actively seeking work. You’ll need to keep a written record of your job search activities.

Not sure if you qualify? File a claim anyway. New York State will review your application and determine your eligibility.

You can file a claim for UI if you worked in New York State within the past 18 months but are now unemployed.
Once your claim is approved, you can get up to 26 weeks of benefits while you’re unemployed.
Income from unemployment benefits is taxable on your federal and state tax returns.
You’ll need a valid Social Security Number and government-issued ID or employment authorization card (work permit).

After you apply

Processing your claim takes 3 to 6 weeks on average. New York State uses this time to review your information and verify your eligibility. You will not receive payments during this period, which is why you may see your claim status as “pending.”

Your first payment arrives 2 to 3 weeks after your claim is completed. In some cases, New York State needs additional information before payment can be made, and your first payment may take longer.

Watch out for scams

Anyone calling from the New York State Department of Labor will verify their identity by providing two things:

The date you filed your application
The type of claim you filed

If a caller can’t provide this information, do not share any personal details.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for Unemployment Insurance, you must:

Have lost your job through no fault of your own
Be actively seeking work and able to start a job immediately
Be authorized to work in the US (and have been authorized when you lost your job)

You’ll also need to:

Keep a written record of your job search activities each week (you can use the JobZone work search tool)
Attend required appointments at your local Career Center
Meet minimum earnings requirements (see how much you need to have earned)

Required documents

What you’ll need to file for Unemployment Insurance:

Your personal information

Full name, phone number, and mailing address
Social Security Number
Driver’s license, state ID, or employment authorization number (if you’re not a US citizen)
Bank account number and routing number

Information about your past jobs (last 18 months)

Your employer’s legal name and address
Your employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or New York State registration number (you can find this on your W-2 or employment record)
Your start and end dates
Your wage details
If you served in the military in the last 18 months, you’ll also need your DD214

How to apply

Apply online at the NYS DOL website.

Call 888-209-8124.

Get help

Visit the website

Visit the NYS Unemployment Insurance website for more information.

Call 311

Ask for New York State Unemployment Insurance assistance.

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We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

Last Updated October 1, 2025

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Temporary income for eligible unemployed adults