Resources and Answers from the NYS Dept.of Labor to Frequently Asked Questions from Career Center Customers and Job Seekers:  

Unemployment Insurance

Concerns about getting through and wanting to visit the center to file a claim  

• The NYS UI system and telephone claim centers across the state have been handling unprecedented numbers of claims/phone calls and as a result, are experiencing some technical difficulties and are running slower. Those filing claims (or attempting too) are experiencing a variety issues, but they need to be patient and keep trying. New claimants do need to follow the newly enacted protocol and file on their assigned day to help alleviate the overload, but it is no guarantee they won’t experience issues/errors. DOL has extended telephone filing hours and is in the process of hiring additional call center staff, but claimants may still experience difficulties as we work thru this. 

• All in-person services at all Career Centers in New York State have been canceled until further notice. This is being done out of an abundance of caution based on directives from Governor Cuomo to ensure appropriate measures are being taken for the safety and health of our staff and customers.

• If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A - F, file your claim on Monday. For last names starting with G - N, file your claim Tuesday. For last names starting with O - Z, file your claim on Wednesday.

If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday or Friday.

Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.

Here is a step by step process to file a claim online: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/Unemployment-Filing-Instructions.pdf

We are extending telephone filing hours as follows:

Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 7:30 pm. Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Saturday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

NY.Gov Accounts:

If you require assistance re-setting your username and password so you can access your NY.GOV account, you will need to call the Department of Labor Contact Center at (888) 469-7365) between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Press option 2 to speak to a representative at the Department of Labor Contact Center.

For information regarding your unemployment insurance claim, including information regarding benefits or payments, you will need to call the Telephone Claims Center and speak with a representative: 1-888-209-8124.

Extended Benefits (will most likely change)

The federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes extended unemployment benefits. New York has not qualified for these extended benefits at this time, but we will continue to monitor the situation and leverage all federal resources to help New Yorkers survive the economic hardships associated with the novel coronavirus.

If New York State DOES qualify for the extended benefits, New Yorkers do NOT need to do anything new. We will post additional information on the website as it becomes available. Please do NOT call our unemployment hotline with questions about extended benefits -- this helps us keep our phone lines available for your fellow New Yorkers who need to file new claims.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Failure to Report (FTRs)

We have referred the issue of your missed appointment to the UI Division. Please continue to certify for your weekly benefits. Look for important messages from the UI Division and any forms you may need to complete in your Online Services account.

All in-person appointments at all Career Centers in New York State have been canceled until further notice. This is being done out of an abundance of caution based on directives from Governor Cuomo to ensure appropriate measures are being taken for the safety and health of our staff and customers.

Work Search Requirements

Temporary lay Off

If you are on a Temporary layoff of 4 weeks or less, with the assumption that you will be returning to your employer, you are not required to look for work. If after 4 weeks has passed and you have not been called back to work, we will reassess your temporary layoff at that time.

Permanent Lay off

We understand that you have work search constraints at this time. Work search activities that you can do each week within the limitations of the Coronavirus include:

• Developing or revising your resume

• Search for jobs online • Applying for jobs online (many industries are still hiring!) • Send resumes to companies that may have openings in the future

• Interview via videoconferencing if possible

• Registering and checking in with recruiters, college career centers, placement services and professional organizations

• Create a LinkedIn Profile and network each week

NYS Department of Labor, Labor Standards Complaint:

If your customer has a complaint related to wages owed and other employment issues, you can submit a Labor Standards complaint by following the steps below:

1. Fill out form LS223: https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/LS223.pdf
2. (DEWS Staff only) Submit the completed form via email to: LSClaim.Intake@labor.ny.gov

Or submit the complaint via mail to:

NYS DOL - Division of Labor Standards

State Office Campus Building 12, Room 266B

Albany, NY 12240

Please refer to the NYSDOL Labor Standards website for any questions: https://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/labor_standards.shtm

NYS Division of Human Rights, Discrimination Complaint:

If you have a complaint alleging discrimination you can submit a Division of Human Rights Complaint form. Follow the steps below: To file a complaint of employment discrimination, download the below form:

1. Complete the Division of Human Rights Complaint form: Fillable PDF: https://dhr.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/nysdhr-employment-complaint-form-fillable.pdf Printable PDF:https://dhr.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/nysdhr-employment-complaint-form.pdf
2. Have the form notarized
3. Return the original, signed and notarized complaint form to the regional office closest to you by mail, or personal delivery, or you may email your complaint to complaints@dhr.ny.gov or fax it to (718) 741-8322.

Refer to the NYS Division of Human Rights website for any additional questions or inquires: https://dhr.ny.gov/ How to file a complaint: https://dhr.ny.gov/complaint

Health Insurance

https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/

Individuals & Families

You and your family have many low-cost, quality health insurance options available through the Individual Marketplace. You can quickly compare health plan options and apply for assistance that could lower the cost of your health coverage. You may also qualify for health care coverage from Medicaid or Child Health Plus through the Marketplace.

Call our help line: 855.355.5777   -  TTY: 1.800.662.1220

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. -  Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Paid Family Leave

Governor Cuomo enacted a law that provides benefits - including sick leave, paid family leave, and disability benefits - to New York employees impacted by mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. If you have any questions about this law please visit www.ny.gov/COVIDpaidsickleave or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.