www.labor.state.ny.us - File a Claim for UI Benefits

Promptly file your claim, in the first week that you lose your job. You must serve an unpaid “waiting period,” equal to one full week of unemployment benefits, before you receive payments. A delay in filing may cost you benefits.
How to File

Online:

It is best to apply for UI online. Use the Benefits Online Page:

Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
(Eastern Time)
Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday – all day
Sunday until 7 pm

Phone Service

Call our Telephone Claim Center, toll-free during business hours to file a claim.

1-888-209-8124 for New York State residents
1-877-358-5306 for out-of-state residents
8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday

If you file by phone, we offer translation services. Use your phone keypad to enter the number for the language you choose. A voice recording will offer you these choices:

English
Spanish
Russian
Cantonese
Mandarin
Creole
All other languages

Things you need to file your claim:

Your Social Security number
Your driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)
Your complete mailing address and zip code
A phone number where we can reach you from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday –Friday
Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen and have a card)
Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is on your W-2 forms)
Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service

You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, missing information can delay your first payment.

If you cannot print web pages, have a pen and paper to copy information.

If you choose direct deposit of your weekly benefits, you need a check that has your bank routing and checking account numbers.

Website: www.labor.state.ny.us