New York Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the New York Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with New York Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the New York Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of New York Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The New York Department Of Labor(DOL) is in charge of the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

The objective of the New York Department of Labor is to deliver great services to clients, employees, and companies based in New York.

  • DOL connects New Yorkers to jobs, training, and up-skilling opportunities to help people discover the occupations they want.
  • DOL helps New York companies grow by helping them locate suitable workers and keeping them informed about tools and incentives that will help them succeed.
  • DOL empowers and protects New York’s workers by providing them with a safe workplace and ensuring that they are paid a living wage.

New York Unemployment Contact 

Telephone Claims Center

Telephone Claims Center (TCC)

  • Toll-free: (888) 209-8124
  • Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you are a deaf or hard of hearing individual who is being assisted by another person

  • Phone: (888) 783-1370

TTY/TDD

  • Phone: (800) 662-1220

NY.gov assistance

  • Phone: 800-833-3000

Mail

  • Be sure that your Social Security number appears at the top of the right hand corner on all pages.
  • New York State Department of Labor

P.O. Box 15130

Albany, NY 12212-5130

Fax

  • Number: (518) 457-9378

Weekly Benefits

  • Call: 1-888-581-5812
  • If you use TTY/TDD, call a relay operator first at (800) 662-1220, and ask the operator to call the Telephone Claims Center at (888) 783- 1370. 

Request a Hearing

Your written request must be received within 30 days of the determination. Be sure that your Social Security number appears at the top right hand corner on all pages.

  • Mail:

New York State Department of Labor

P.O. Box 15131

Albany, NY 12212-513

Payment Plan

  • Call: (800) 533-6600
  • Mail:

Unemployment Insurance Division, 

NYS Department of Labor, 

P.O. Box 1195, Albany, NY 12201.


How To Qualify for New York Unemployment Benefits

Once your unemployment claim has been verified, you will be able to assess your eligibility. A applicant for UI benefits in New York who satisfies the following conditions is likely to be approved:

  • Working in covered employment and earning enough money while working for a company who pays unemployment insurance taxes
  • Being laid off due to no fault of your own
  • Being eager, able, and ready to take work if and when it is provided
  • For each week that you are claiming benefits, you must actively seek job

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in New York? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $104 to Max $504
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $13,104

How Do I Apply for New York Unemployment Benefits?

When you submit an unemployment claim in New York, you are guided by your last name. In the case of a new unemployment claim, the day you should file is determined by your last name’s first letter.

  • A – F should file their UI benefits claims on Monday
  • G – N should file their UI benefits claims on Tuesday
  • O- Z should file their UI benefits claims on Wednesday

Create your NY.gov account and follow the instructions to submit your initial unemployment claim.

You will need to create a PIN if this is your first time claiming UI benefits in New York. Using your unique PIN, you can check the status of your claim and submit ongoing weekly unemployment compensation claims.

If you cannot submit your unemployment insurance claim online, you may also call the state’s Telephone Claim Center during business hours to file your claim. 

The phone number is 888-209-8124, and agents are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to assist you. Claimants who file by phone can use translation services.

How do I Manage My New York Unemployment Benefits

You must continue to claim a weekly benefit for each week you are jobless and fulfill eligibility standards once you have made a claim for benefits. This procedure is often referred to as benefit certification.

You can start submitting weekly claims online as soon as you receive notification that your claim has been authorized. You must submit this certification for each week that you are jobless in order to continue receiving weekly unemployment benefits.

You will be asked questions to confirm that you were jobless for all or part of the previous week, as well as that you satisfied all other eligibility conditions for benefits, such as continuing to hunt for appropriate work.

How Do I Appeal a New York Unemployment Decision?

If your claim for benefits is refused, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Department of Labor in New York State. Your statement of appeal should clearly describe why you feel the denial of your benefits was erroneous. If you are unsatisfied with the judgment regarding your claim, your employer has the same right to appeal.

You will be requested to attend a hearing before an administrative law judge once your request for appeal is accepted, during which you will be asked questions about your claim. Before making a decision on your appeal, the administrative law judge will analyze all relevant papers.

How Do I Report a New York Unemployment Fraud?

The New York State Department of Labor works hard to maintain the agency’s and all of its programs’ integrity. In addition, the department collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities, as well as other government agencies, claimants, and businesses throughout New York State and the country, to prevent false UI claims.

You are strongly urged to file an unemployment fraud complaint online if you suspect someone is improperly obtaining UI benefits, whether through identity theft or supplying false information.

How Do I Talk to a Person in New York Unemployment Customer Service?

Tel-Service at 1-888-581-5812. 

If you live outside of NYS, call 1-888-864-9920.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


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New York Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

New York Unemployment  OfficeNew York Unemployment Office LocationsNew York Unemployment Phone Number
Albany Career Central175 Central AvenueAlbany, NY 12206518-462-7600
Albion Unemployment Office458 West Avenue Suite 3Albion, NY 14411585-589-5335
Amsterdam Workforce Solutions2620 Riverfront CenterAmsterdam, NY 12010518-842-2240
Cayuga Works Unemployment Office199 Franklin StreetSuite 204Auburn, NY 13021315-253-1590
Saratoga County Unemployment Office152 West High StreetBallston Spa, NY 12020518-884-4170
Unemployment Office – Batavia587 East Main StreetSuite 100, Eastown PlazaBatavia, NY 14020585-344-2042
Bath Unemployment Office117 East Steuben StreetBath, NY 14810607-776-7712
Allegany County Employment Center7 Wells LaneBelmont, NY 14813585-268-9240
Bronx Workforce1 Unemployment Office400 East Fordham Rd.8th FloorBronx, NY 10458718-960-7901
Unemployment Office Bronx – Hunts Point1029 East 163rd Street3rd FloorBronx, NY 10459718-542-6777
Brooklyn Workforce 1 Unemployment Office9 Bond Street5th FloorBrooklyn, NY 11201347-296-8010
NYS Employment Services250 Schermerhorn StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201718-613-3760
St. Nicholas Alliance790 Broadway2nd FloorBrooklyn, NY 11206718-302-2057
Buffalo Downtown – Unemployment Office284 Main StreetBuffalo, NY 14202716-851-2600
Buffalo Employment and Training Center77 Goodell StreetFirst FloorBuffalo, NY 14203716-856-5627
Finger Lakes Works3010 County Complex DriveCanandaigua, NY 14424585-396-4020
Unemployment Office – Canton80 State Highway 310 Suite 8Canton, NY 13617-1498315-386-3276
Putnam Workforce Partnership110 Old Route 6 Building 3Carmel, NY 10512845-808-1651
Cobleskill Workforce Solutions Center795 E Main Street Suite 4Cobleskill, NY 12043518-234-4254
Cortland Works Unemployment Office99 Main StreetCortland, NY 13045607-756-7585
CDO Workforce1 Court House SquareSuite 3Delhi, NY 13753607-832-5777
Chautauqua Works407 Central AvenueDunkirk, NY 14048716-366-9015
Elizabethtown One Work Source Center7572 Court StreetSuite 2; PO Box 848Elizabethtown, NY 12932518-873-3207
Elmhurst Workforce1 Unemployment Office90-02 Queens Blvd.Elmhurst, NY 11373718-321-6307
Elmira Unemployment Office318 Madison AveElmira, NY 14901607-733-7131
LEAP383 Broadway Suite B010Fort Edward, NY 12828518-746-2391
Oswego County Workforce200 North Second StreetFulton, NY 13069315-591-9000
Livingston County Center6 Court Street Room 105Geneseo, NY 14454585-243-7047
Finger Lakes Works – Geneva795 Canandaigua RoadGeneva, NY 14456315-789-1771
Warren County Unemployment Office333 Glen Street, Suite 300Glens Falls, NY 12801518-743-0925
Gloversville Workforce Solutions43-47 North Main StreetGloversville, NY 12078518-842-3676
Employment Center Suffolk County725 Veterans Memorial HighwayBuilding 17Hauppauge, NY 11788631-853-6600
Hempstead Unemployment Office50 Clinton Street Suite 400Hempstead, NY 11550516-485-5000
Herkimer Unemployment Office320 N Prospect StreetHerkimer, NY 13350315-867-1400
Hicksville Unemployment Office301 West Old Country RoadHicksville, NY 11801516-934-8532
Hornell Unemployment OfficeState Office Building107 BroadwayHornell, NY 14843607-324-8388
Columbia Greene Workforce4400 Route 23Columbia Greene CollegeHudson, NY 12534518-828-4181
Hamilton County Center135 White Birch LaneIndian Lake, NY 12842518-648-6131
New York Unemployment Office – Ithaca171 East State StreetCenter Ithaca, Suite 241Ithaca, NY 14850607-272-7570
Queens Workforce1 Unemployment Office168-25 Jamaica Avenue2nd FloorJamaica, NY 11432718-557-6755
Workforce1 Unemployment Office168-46 91st Avenue2nd FloorJamaica, NY 11432718-577-2194
Chautauqua Works4 East 3rd StreetJamestown, NY 14701716-661-9553
Broome-Tioga Workforce New York501 Reynolds RoadJohnson City, NY 13790607-778-2136
Ulster County Unemployment Office535 Boices Lane521 Boices LaneKingston, NY 12401845-443-8066
Lockport WorkforceOne Center272 South Transit StreetLockport, NY 14094716-433-6766
The Workplace – Lewis County5274 Outer Stowe StreetPO Box 193Lowville, NY 13367315-376-5800
Finger Lakes Works1519 Nye Road Suite 601Lyons, NY 14489315-946-7270
Malone One Work Source Center158 Finney BoulevardMalone, NY 12953518-481-5755
Massapequa Unemployment Office977 Hicksville RoadMassapequa, NY 11758516-797-4560
Massena Unemployment Office35 Glenn StreetMassena, NY 13662315-769-3596
Orange Works Unemployment Office – Middletown18 Seward Ave 1st FloorMiddletown, NY 10940845-360-0310
Sullivan County Unemployment Office – Monticello50 North StreetMonticello, NY 12701845-794-3340
CSS Workforce NY Unemployment Office323 Owego Street Unit 11Montour Falls, NY 14865607-535-6840
Career & Educational Consultants Inc247 West 30th Street2nd FloorNew York, NY 10001212-643-8845
Lower Manhattan Unemployment Office199 Church Street 3rd FloorNew York, NY 10013212-775-3771
NYC Business Solutions79 John Street 2nd FloorNew York, NY 10038212-618-8914
Upper Manhattan Unemployment Office215 West 125th Street6th FloorNew York, NY 10027917-493-7054
Orange Works Unemployment Office – Newburgh3 Washington CenterThe Maple Bldg 4th FloorNewburgh, NY 12550845-568-5090
Niagara`s WorkSourceOne1001 Eleventh StreetNiagara Falls, NY 14301716-278-8108
CDO Workforce Center – Chenango County1 O`Hara DriveNorwich, NY 13815607-334-2201
Rockland County Unemployment Office131 N. Midland AvenueNyack, NY 10960845-770-2900
Ogdensburg Unemployment Office1031 Paterson StreetOgdensburg, NY 13669315-393-4600
Cattaraugus Unemployment Office – Olean175 North Union StreetOlean, NY 14760716-373-1880
CDO Workforce Center12 Dietz StreetOneonta, NY 13820607-432-4800
SUNY ERIE Unemployment Office4041 Southwestern BlvdBuilding 6Orchard Park, NY 14127716-270-4465
Tioga Unemployment Office1062 State Route 38PO Box 108Owego, NY 13827607-687-8500
NYSDOL Unemployment Office – AJC160 South Ocean AvenuePatchogue, NY 11772-3719631-687-4800
Finger Lakes Works – Yates417 Liberty StreetSuite 2051Penn Yan, NY 14527315-536-5140
Wyoming County Community Action6470 Rt 20A Suite 1Perry, NY 14530585-237-2600
Plattsburgh OneWorkSource Center194 US OvalPlattsburgh, NY 12903518-561-0430
Dutchess One Stop Unemployment Office191 Main StreetPoughkeepsie, NY 12601845-473-9000
Rochester Unemployment Office276 Waring RoadDepartment of LaborRochester, NY 14609585-266-7760
RochesterWorks! Unemployment Office100 College Avenue Suite 200Rochester, NY 14607585-258-3500
Veterans Outreach Center447 South AvenueRochester, NY 14620585-546-1081
One Stop Center – Rome300 West Dominick StreetSuite 1Rome, NY 13440315-356-0662
Schenectady County Training Center797 BroadwaySchenectady, NY 12305518-344-2737
CDO Workforce21 Liberty StreetSidney Civic CenterSidney, NY 13838607-832-5776
Staten Island Unemployment Office120 Stuyvesant PlaceThird FloorStaten Island, NY 10301718-285-8463
Rockland County Unemployment Office145 College RoadBrucker Hall 1st FloorSuffern, NY 10901845-406-6450
CNY Works Incorporated960 James StreetSyracuse, NY 13203315-473-8250
Rensselaer County Unemployment Office1600 7th AvenueNed Pattison Office BldgTroy, NY 12180518-270-2860
Unemployment Office – Utica207 Genesee StreetNY State Office BuildingUtica, NY 13501315-793-2229
Madison County Unemployment Office133 N. Court StreetP.O. Box 609Wampsville, NY 13163315-363-2400
Warsaw One-Stop448 North Main StreetWarsaw, NY 14569585-786-3145
Finger Lakes Works – SenecaOne DiPronio DriveWaterloo, NY 13165315-539-1800
The WorkPlace – Jefferson County1000 Coffeen StreetWatertown, NY 13601315-782-9252
White Plains Unemployment Office120 Bloomingdale Road2nd FloorWhite Plains, NY 10605914-995-3910
SUNY ERIE Unemployment Office6205 Main StreetGleasner Hall, Room 166Williamsville, NY 14221716-270-4444
Williamsville Unemployment Office4175 Transit RoadTransitown PlazaWilliamsville, NY 14221716-634-9081
Yonkers Unemployment Office28 Wells AvenueBldg. 3Yonkers, NY 10701914-461-9077

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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