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File a New Unemployment Insurance Claim

Our online system has been improved to better serve New Yorkers. You may file any day of the week from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Latest Updates
What You Need to Know

  • We understand there may be confusion following the President's announcement about additional unemployment benefits. While open questions about this announcement are resolved, please continue to certify weekly to ensure you receive your Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. We will process any additional benefits if/when they come due if you continue to certify. 
    To allow your fellow New Yorkers to reach a representative for regular UI or PUA matters, please do NOT call the DOL to inquire about the federal administration's announcement at this time.‎

  • Notice About $600 FPUC Payments (Posted 7/31/2020): The weekly $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit has expired. This may change if Congress takes action to extend this benefit. We will provide updates on any changes here on our website and on our social media platforms. Please do NOT call for FPUC updates. Your Unemployment Insurance benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits will continue as long as you are qualified and certify weekly. UI benefits have now been extended up to 59 weeks and PUA benefits have now been extended to 46 weeks.

  • Returning to Work and Unemployment Insurance: Get answers to common questions about how returning to work impacts your unemployment benefits.

  • Important Notice About Receiving Your Back Benefits: The DOL is using DocuSign’s secure digital signature technology to help New Yorkers get their backdated payments. If you receive an email, please fill out the form and send it in so that we can get you the benefits you are eligible for as quickly as possible. To verify the legitimacy of your notification from DocuSign the message will be sent to you from [email protected] and the Reply-To email will be [email protected] Docusign FAQs

  • If you are receiving your benefits on a KeyBank debit card, you have access to thousands of no-fee ATMs across the state through KeyBank and the Allpoint network. Find an ATM, read KeyBank debit card FAQs or learn how to switch to direct deposit.

  • If you are a worker applying for the Shared Work program, please apply here.

  • Important Notice to NYS Employers: The Department of Labor issued a directive to remind employers of their obligation to provide information to employees to help them promptly complete the unemployment insurance benefits application. Employers may use Form IA 12.3 to provide this information. The best way to file a new unemployment insurance claim is online. The application has been updated so New Yorkers can apply for Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
  • The New York Forward Returning Worker Bill of Rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your questions about Unemployment Insurance

Video: How To File an Application for Unemployment Benefits

Paid Sick Leave
Governor Cuomo enacted a law that provides benefits - including sick leave, paid family leave, and disability benefits - to New York employees impacted by the mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. If your employer does not comply with this law, you have the right to file a complaint.
For Department of Labor Employees Only
Please check this page 30 minutes prior to the start of your work day and again during your work day.