How do I know if my unemployment claim was approved in New York?

How to file an unemployment claim in New York?

New Yorkers who lose their job to covid can receive benefits for ninety-nine weeks. This number is based on the twenty-six weeks provided by the state and an additional fifty-three weeks of benefits funded by the federal government. 

Claims can be filed through the Department of Labors website. Unemployed workers must claim benefits for all weeks they would like to receive benefits. Typically, there is a waiting period between when a claimant files unemployment and when they receive their first payment. However, for those requesting benefits because of a loss of work due to the pandemic, the waiting period has been waved.

Each week, those requesting payments must provide information to demonstrate that they are eligible. If the benefits are approved, recipients will receive their payments through a pre-paid debit card or direct deposit. For those who receive a debit card, the funds can be withdrawn from an ATM or “point of sale terminal.” For those with access to a bank account that allows for direct deposit, account information can be provided to the Department of Labor, and the benefits will be deposited as claims are approved. Once your application has been approved, the Department of Labor will send a “Monetary Determination” with information on your weekly benefit amount.

After making your claim, it will take between two to three weeks to receive it. Delays may be caused if the state needs additional information before sending payment. If, after logging into the unemployment portal, your status reads “pending,” this could be because the state is taking “time to review and process your application for benefits.” If your payments are approved but delayed, do not worry, you will receive back pay for all the weeks you were approved to receive benefits.

To ensure timely delivery of unemployment benefits the Department of Labor states that claimants “should respond to any questionnaires, messages, or phone calls from us as quickly as possible. Failure to do so will delay your claim or result in the denial or suspension of your benefits.” To avoid fraudulent calls, the caller will “will verify their identity by providing: (a) the date you filed your application; & (b) the type of claim.” If these pieces of information align with your records, the representative may ask you for your social security number.