Filing for Unemployment in New York

New York's Department of Labor has some strict guidelines for filing for jobless benefits, but you can file online as long as you have all of the information that you need.

What do you need to file online?

• Social Security Number or Alien Registration Card Number
• New York Driver's License or ID Card Number
• Information about your previous employer, including EIN and contact information
• Routing info for your bank if you want direct deposit.

When Will You Start Getting Benefits?

Even if you file the moment that you lose your job, it will be at least a week before you start getting benefits, since NY has a one-week unpaid wait period. After that, if your application takes longer for approval, you'll receive past benefits as soon as it is approved.

Your best bet: File for unemployment right away, even if you think you have another job lined up. Worst case scenario: You have to decline benefits because you have another job.