FAQs - Unemployment Insurance
Who May File?
A person who is unemployed through no fault of their own and who is ready, willing and able to work. Anyone who believes they are entitled to collect unemployment insurance benefits has the right to file a claim. The Department of Labor will issue a determination based upon the information they receive from the claimant and The University.
Are College Assistants eligible to collect Unemployment Insurance in the summer?
Educational institution employees will not be able to receive benefits between semesters if they have reasonable assurance of being employed for the following semester.
How Long May I Receive Benefits?
You may receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks after filing a claim. There is a one week waiting period in which benefits are not payable.
How Much Will I Receive?
The weekly rate ranges from a minimum of $40 to a maximum of $405.
What Documents Should I Bring?
You should bring your Social Security card, second proof of identity, a recent pay stub and the name and address of all employers you worked for in the last year. Non-citizens should bring documents issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
What are the Business Hours?
Hours are Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Monday is the busiest day. If you file later in the week, you get credit for the week providing you work no more than three days and earn less than $405 for the week.
How Do I Apply for Unemployment by Telephone?
Most New Yorkers may now apply for unemployment insurance benefits through the automated Tel-Claim system. Upstate and NYC residents may call the Tel-Claim Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124. Long Island residents should check with their nearest Division of Employment Services (DOES) office for information on filing benefits.
Where May I File in Person?
You may apply for these benefits at New York State Department of Labor Community Service Centers near your home or work. The offices are located at:
- Manhattan
50 Park Place (bet. Church St. & W. Bdwy) (212) 791-1400
247 W. 54th St. (bet. Bway & 8th) (212) 265-2903
55 W. 125th St. (bet. 5th & Lenox) (212) 961-8101 - Bronx
390 Morris Park Ave. (E. 180th St.) (718) 892-7500
358 E. 149th St. (3rd Ave.) (718) 993-2010
815 Burke Ave. (Barnes Ave.) (718) 882-9000 - Queens
138-60 Barclay Ave., Flushing (718) 461-6900
168-46 91st Ave., Jamaica (718) 523-4055
25-01 Bridge Plaza NE, LIC (718) 729-6625 - Brooklyn
1717 Avenue Z (718) 648-6523
115 Lawrence St. (Willoughby St.) (718) 243-2971 - Staten Island
1139 Hylan Blvd. (Clove Road) (718) 447 - 8284 - Nassau
303 Old Country Rd., Hicksville (516) 934-8520
344 Fulton Ave., Hempstead (516) 486-3442 - Westchester
55 Church St. White Plains (914) 997-9588
201 S. James, Peekskill (914) 737-3490
For More Information: New York State Department of Labor
