How To Apply For The Nys Unemployment Benefits: Full Criteria Explained!


If you are looking forward to gaining unemployment benefits, then it is important that you have a clear idea of what nys unemployment is, how it works and what are is its benefits. This is the right place where you will get answers to all your questions. Situations can turn anytime in life and this is why you need to be prepared for it all the time. Nobody wants to ever face unemployment in this crucial era where financial status is a serious matter for all type of employment. Well, the New York government is having special plans for the people who are unemployed and has set criteria to pass so that genuine people with unemployment can gain its benefits.  Let’s get started..


What are the NYS unemployment benefits?

In simple words, under this category, unemployed people can get temporary income to pay their bills and fulfill their everyday requirements without suffering any hardship. It is important that you pass the eligibility to receive these benefits. These benefits are administrated by the NYS department of labor. Both residents, as well as non-residents, can enjoy these benefits and receive temporary wages as compensation only if they meet the underneath mentioned criteria.
  • You must have an adequate amount of earnings prior to your job/employment to receive the benefits.
  • Have lost the job through no mistakes on your own.
  • Be work ready, available and willing to get employed immediately.

Eligibility to receive the NYS Unemployment benefits

Not all the unemployed people pass the criteria to receive the nys unemployment so make sure that you go through this section carefully.  You must also agree to the terms and conditions set by the New York state dept. of labor.  A part of your paycheck directly goes to the NYS unemployment insurance Program fund.  To access these funds you must have built the eligibility to receive them by working minimum as an employee.  The eligibility is calculated by the labor office to get the figure of the amount you are going to receive in case of unemployment.
Independent contract based employers are not eligible to receive the nys unemployment benefits. The reason is that they are not paid through wages. Apart from that, it does not matter you have worked part time, full time or temporary as long as you fulfill all the eligibility requirements by the state.

Integral elements of eligibility you need to pass

To gain the benefits it is important that you satisfy the eligibility elements or your application can get rejected and you might face trouble.  Here are the 3 vital eligibility factors you need to pass-through and mention in your application.

Must have worked 6 months of the year

If you have not been employed for at least 6 months in the year you are not eligible for the unemployment benefits in New York.  There is no need to work consecutively for 6 months but prove that you were employed for 2-3 month quarters.

Received $1,900 as a salary in 1 calendar quarter

 It is an estimated figure and you need to show your paychecks of within 3 months and the total amount should be$1,900. Lesser than this will make you non-eligible to receive the benefits.  Make sure that you have your paychecks with accurate dates to show and receive the benefits.

Total quarter payment must be 1.5 times you earned as a highest paying quarter

You must use calculator available online to check your 4 quarter earnings to be eligible for this point.
Sometimes people get unemployment because they are no longer required by the industries and companies. In such a case you are still eligible to receive the benefits.  On the other hand, if you were fired due to your mistake like breaking the employment rules, misbehave or any other misconduct, then you are not eligible. Moreover, in case you left the job because of your own will, you are still not eligible.

How to apply for the nys unemployment benefits?

Nowadays you can easily apply for the nys unemployment benefits online, voice call or visiting the NYS labor department in person on Monday to Thursday ( 7:30 A.M. -7:30 P.M.). It is important that you file your application within the 7 days of getting unemployed so that you can receive maximum benefits.

Important documents & information you will need

  • Your social security number
  • Active contact number
  • Complete address along with postal code
  • Driver’s license/vehicle ID number
  • The alien registration number for non-residents
  • Name & address of employers (past 18 months)
  • FEIN/ employer registration number
  • SF50 7 SF8 form copies for federal employees
  • DDI4 Form (military services)
  • Bank check with your account number/routine numbers

You must have all these documents beforehand ready to make sure you do not face any interruption in processing your nys unemployment benefits application.  This will help you in filing your benefits account and filing an initial claim. Try to fulfill all the requirements or your payments might get delayed in the lack of the integral information required by the state federal.

Note: - it is also important to mention the reason why you are claiming for the nys unemployment benefits and what was the reason you got fired from your job.  Depending on this your claims might be granted or denied.
In an instance, your case is not clear to the agency they will arrange a hearing where your previous employers need to provide clarification about the circumstances.  So make sure that you are not filling any fake information on your application.  In case you are found guilty, you might have to face the penalties and your chances are negligible to get the unemployment benefits.

Can your application get rejected?

Yes, your application can get clearly rejected if you fail to meet the earnings and work requirement or due to false information.  You can also request for reconsideration of your file if you are sure about the information, but the agency has wrongfully acknowledged your application.  In case you face any complication you can also hire a lawyer who can guide you best on your situation. This will also raise the chances of getting your application approved instantly and you can start receiving nys unemployment instantly.