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New York State Unemployment

Information About Unemployment

Unemployment HandBook
Unemployment Benefits Information

How to File for Unemployment

There are two ways a person can file for unemployment:

Please view the video below for how to set up your Multi Factor Authentication.

Steps for Filing for Unemployment

Obtaining Your 1099-G Tax Form

There are two ways you can acquire your 1099-G form for taxes:

  • You can acquire the form online at the New York State Department of Labor website at:                   https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment/1099-g-tax-form
  • Or, you can call the Lewis County WorkPlace at 315-376-5800 and we can assist you. 

ID.me

ID.me is an online verification tool for individuals to prove their identity and is used by governments and businesses. 

You may be asked to verify your identity through ID.me only if 1) you are filing for unemployment benefits or 2) you are updating your banking information. 

There are two ways to complete ID.me:

  • Access ID.me through your Unemployment account. To do this, follow the steps below:
    • Log into your unemployment account at  http://labor.ny.gov/signin
    • Then select “Unemployment Services” button on the right-hand side of the welcome page.
    • Next, select the “Update Personal Information” button. Once this is selected, it will transfer you to the ID.me page.
  • Second way to access ID.me is going directly to the web page at: https://hosted-pages.id.me/new-york-dol-identity-proofing
ID.me Claimant Guide
ID.me Help Guide
Login Issues

How to Set Up Your ID.me

Partial Claims

Partial claims are claims that are missing claimant information or New York State may need additional information that was not provided already. If you are experiencing this issue, please contact the Lewis County WorkPlace at 315-376-5800

  • How do you know if you have a partial claim?
    • In some instances, when you file online and complete your claim, the final page that you should print out it will say call the Unemployment Claims Line to complete your claim. 
    • Also, if you file over the phone, you will get transferred to an Unemployment Claims Representative. Sometimes, during the transfer process the call may disconnect. Unless you follow back up, your claim is partially completed.  

How to Certify for Weekly Benefits

You can claim your weekly benefits two ways:

For more information, please visit: https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment/certify-weekly-unemployment-insurance-benefits

Department of Labor Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Receive Unemployment Insurance?
  • If you have worked in New York, you may be eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance Benefits. You must: 
    • Have lost employment through no fault of your own.
    • Have enough prior earnings from employment to establish a claim.
    • Be ready, willing and able to work immediately.
    • Be actively seeking work and keep a record (online or written) of your efforts. 
How Do I Apply for Benefits?
  • The fastest and most secure way to apply (file a claim) for Unemployment Insurance benefits is on the New York State Department of Labor website https://unemployment.labor.ny.gov/en-US/login
  • You can also file over the phone toll-free at (888) 209-8124
After I login and click the Unemployment Services button, I give my Social Security Number and get this message “You used a different NY.gov username in the past. Please log in with that username instead. If you have forgotten that username, please sign out and select “Forgot Username” to retrieve it.
  • When you receive this error, it indicates that you have multiple NY.GOV accounts that have been created. Unless you know the email address you created your first account with, you should contact the Lewis County WorkPlace. If you know the email address used for your original account, go back to the sign in screen and click the “Forgot Username?” button. Enter the email address associated with the first time you filed for unemployment. You will then be emailed the accounts associated with that email address. One of those usernames is the original username that you must file under now. If you have multiple usernames, you will have to go through each of them to find the original. You can always contact the Lewis County WorkPlace for assistance with this process. 
  • If you do not have access to the email address anymore, please call the Lewis County WorkPlace at 315-376-5800 or stop in and we can assist you. 
What Do I Need to File?
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Your New York State driver license or Motor Vehicle identification car number (if you have either).
  • Your complete mailing address and zip code.
  • A phone number where we can reach you from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
  • Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a United States citizen and have a card).
  • Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states.
  • Employer Registration Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (the FEIN is on your W-2 forms).
  • Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee.
  • Your most recent separation form (dd 214), if you were in the military. 
    • You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, any missing information can delay your first payment. 
What Is Asked When I Certify for Weekly Benefits?
  • When you claim weekly benefits, you will be asked a series of questions. It is important to answer truthfully, as you are certifying to the Department of Labor that your answers are true and correct. That is why the process is called “Certifying for Benefits”.
When Can I Call to Certify for Benefits?
  • A week, for the purposes of Unemployment Insurance, runs from Monday through Sunday. Most people claim weekly benefits for the previous week on Sunday. However, you have until the following Saturday to do so.
  • By law, the first week of your claim is a waiting week. You will not receive benefits for this week, but you must be ready, willing, and able to work and looking for a job. 
How Do I Get Help Filing A Claim?
  • You can get assistance in completing your claim by visiting the Lewis County WorkPlace.
  • If you have a disability or language issue and need help filing your claim, a friend or relative can help However:
    • You must be with your helper every time they help you and use your PIN.
    • You are responsible for the actions of your helper. 
    • If you are not present when your helper assists you, you may be subject to penalties, including forfeiture of benefits. 
When Will I Start Receiving Benefits?
  • If you are eligible and there are no issues on the claim, it usually takes three to six weeks from the time you file your claim to when you receive your first payment. This is because your claim must be reviewed and process your application. You will not receive benefits during this time. If you are found eligible, you will receive all benefits owed to you. 
How Will I Receive My Benefits?
  • If you applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you were asked whether you wished to receive your benefits by direct deposit or debit card. If you applied over the phone, you will receive your benefits via debit card. Unemployment benefits will no longer be issued by check. 
Additional Information
  • After you apply for benefits, you will receive a notice in the mail called a Monetary Benefit Determination. Please read it right away. It will tell you if you have enough earnings to qualify for Unemployment Insurance or not. It will also tell you what to do if all of your earnings are not listed on the notice. 
    • The Monetary Benefit Determination does not say that you will definitely receive benefits. It simply tells you whether or not you have enough earnings to qualify. If you meet all the requirements, your benefits will simply begin. If you are found not eligible, you will receive a letter from the Department of Labor. 
  • You may lose benefits if you do not keep your address and phone number up to date. Unemployment Insurance main is not forwarded by the Post Office.
  • Return all questionnaires right away so any benefits due are not denied.