NYS Unemployment Insurance Benefits Online- Filing a New Claim

Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, and able to work. You must have sufficient work and wages in covered employment. In New York State, the money for unemployment insurance benefits comes from taxes paid by employers. No deductions are ever made from a worker's paycheck for unemployment insurance. It is the Department of Labor that determines whether an unemployed worker qualifies for unemployment.

You may file a claim between the hours of 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Thursday (Eastern Time), Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, all day Saturday, and Sunday until 7:00 pm.

You may claim benefits for last week between the hours of 7:30 am to midnight Sunday through Saturday.

New York State Department of Labor's (NYSDOL) website provides a safe, efficient way to file your claim for unemployment insurance benefits, claim your weekly benefits, or inquire about benefit payment status. NYSDOL is strongly committed to protecting your personal and employment information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

Please be aware of phishing emails. "Phishing" is a type of scam designed to steal your personal information. We will never request information such as your Social Security Number, Direct Payment Card number or PIN through email. If you believe your card account has been compromised, please call the number on the back of your card.



To complete the online application, you will need the following information:

• Social Security Number
• Valid New York State driver's license or Non-Driver Photo Identification Card number (if you have either one)
• Your complete mailing address and zip code
• Telephone number where we can contact you between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday
• Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN may be found on your W-2 forms), if you have it
• Complete name, address, zip code and phone number of your most recent employer
• Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
• If you are unable to print, have a pen and paper available to write down important information
• Remember, if you are choosing to have direct deposit of your weekly benefits, you must have a check handy in order to enter your bank routing and checking account numbers

You will be required to establish a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) in order to complete your application and access information regarding your claim.


If you currently reside in Canada or your most recent employer has a Canadian address, you must file for unemployment insurance benefits by calling the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124 (1-877-358-5306 for out of state residents).


Filing a New Claim Click Here