If you can't work because of the coronavirus, you can get unemployment benefits without having to wait. The 7 day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines is being waived in New York State.

Before you can collect unemployment benefits, you must apply. After you apply, you must claim benefits for each week you are unemployed.

1. Sign in with your NY.GOV ID
2. Follow the instructions to file a claim
3. Submit your application

What You'll Need:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)
  • Your complete mailing address and zip code
  • A phone number where we can reach you from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday – Friday
  • Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. 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 (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), for military service

The Telephone Claim Center is available during business hours to file a claim. Call 1-888-209-8124, but you'll need to be patient. The New York State Department of Labor is seeing a massive increase in claims, which is slowing down servers.

You may file your claim (Eastern Time):
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: Anytime
Sunday: Until 7 p.m.

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