Unemployment Services for Individuals

During the upgrade, all online and phone services for unemployment insurance will be unavailable, and unemployment payments will be delayed.

What to Expect

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is upgrading its unemployment insurance system. To prepare for this upgrade, we recommend all customers read the information on this page to find out how this upgrade will affect you and NYSDOL’s unemployment insurance services.

When

The upgrade will begin Monday, November 2nd at 5PM. At that time, the system will close and will not accept new claims or certifications. We expect the upgrade to take 9 to 12 calendar days. 

Impacts

During the upgrade, the current unemployment insurance system and the agency's unemployment insurance call center will be unavailable. Customers should expect a delay in payments. Customers will be able to file or certify for all payments due to them once the upgraded system is launched.

Career Centers will be open virtually from November 3 – November 27 to assist customers. Make a virtual appointment online.

Why this is happening

The new Unemployment Services system will provide customers with one comprehensive, user-friendly tool allowing NYSDOL to best serve New Yorkers.  

Fewer delays, real-time updates, self-service options, and anytime access will mean fewer customers will need to call NYSDOL for assistance. This improvement supports NYSDOL’s mission to provide the best services to our customers. 

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What you need to do

  • Before the upgrade File/certify for the week ending Nov. 1 by Nov. 2 at 5PM. If you miss this deadline, you can backdate your claim in the new system.
  • During the upgrade To stay eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, you must complete and record at least THREE work search activities each week. 
  • After the upgrade Once the upgraded system is available, file or certify for benefits to receive all payments due to you.