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How to file an unemployment insurance claim

The CARES Act was enacted on Friday, March 27. Refer to the CARES Act web page for information about how the act may affect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits with the state Department of Labor.

Do not call if you already have a UI claim; it will only make it difficult for others to reach an agent.

Information regarding the CARES Act and other COVID-19 updates will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section about unemployment insurance during the coronavirus emergency.

If you are filing a new unamployment insurance claim, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name.

– A-F file on Monday

– G-N file on Tuesday

– O-Z file on Wednesday

Missed your day? File Thursday through Saturday.

Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid for all benefits due.

How to file – web service

It is best to apply for UI online. Sign in with your NY.GOV ID and follow the instructions to file a claim. You may file your claim:

– Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

– Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Saturday: All day

   – Sunday: Until 7 p.m.

How to file – phone service

Call our Telephone Claim Center, toll free during business hours to file a claim: 888-209-8124

The Department of Labor has extended telephone filing hours as follows:

– Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

– Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Things you need to file your claim

– Social Security number

– Driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)

– Complete mailing address and zip code

– A phone number where we can reach you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

– 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)

– Copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee

– 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.

Personal identification number

If you have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State, you must create a PIN. This is a four-digit number that you must keep confidential.

Starting at $1.44/week.

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