How To File an Application for Unemployment Benefits - 2022

Summary

The video script offers a comprehensive guide on applying for unemployment benefits through the NY.gov online system. Commissioner Roberta Reardon ensures applicants are well-informed about the process, emphasizing the importance of having necessary information ready, such as wage and employer details. It guides users through creating an NY.gov account, filing a claim, and setting up direct deposit or debit card options for payments. The script also covers the review and submission of applications, the verification process via ID.me, and the weekly certification of benefits. It concludes with instructions on how to check payment status and the expected timeline for receiving benefits.

Takeaways

• 📧 Stay informed about your claim status through emails, text messages, and letters.
• 🚀 Apply for unemployment insurance (UI) online for the fastest service.
• 📝 Gather necessary personal and employment information before starting the application.
• 💼 Use your most recent W-2 or employer-issued record of employment for wage and employer details.
• 🔑 Create an NY.gov account for accessing unemployment services and receiving updates.
• 💡 If you have an existing NY.gov account, use it instead of creating a new one.
• 🔒 Your personal ID number (PIN) is crucial; keep it secure and don't share it with others.
• ✍️ Provide accurate employment history for the past 18 months during the application process.
• 📉 Answer questions regarding your work availability and earnings for the certification of benefits.
• 💰 Choose between Direct Deposit or Debit Card for receiving your unemployment benefits.
• 🏦 Direct deposit is the preferred method for the fastest and easiest payment.
• 🔄 Regularly certify for benefits to ensure continuous payment, starting from the first day of unemployment.
• 💌 Expect a determination letter from the Department of Labor regarding your UI eligibility and payment details.
• 📊 Check your NY.gov account for the status of your payments and payment history.

Q & A

Who is Commissioner Roberta Reardon and what is her role in the video?

Commissioner Roberta Reardon is the presenter in the video, guiding viewers through the process of applying for unemployment benefits using the online system.

What are the communication channels used to keep applicants informed about their claim status?

The Department of Labor keeps applicants informed through emails, text messages, and letters, ensuring they are aware of the status of their unemployment claim.

Why is applying online recommended for unemployment insurance?

Applying online is recommended because it is the best and fastest way to apply for unemployment insurance, also known as UI.

What information should an applicant have ready before filing a claim for unemployment benefits?

Applicants should have their wage and employer information ready, which can be obtained from their most recent W-2 or their record of employment provided by their employer.

What is the NY.gov account and why is it necessary for the unemployment application process?

The NY.gov account is necessary to access unemployment online services, receive updates on the account, register for direct deposit, and communicate with the Department of Labor through email.

What should an applicant do if they have an existing NY.gov account?

Applicants should not create a new account. They should use their existing NY.gov login and password.

How can applicants who have forgotten their NY.gov account password or have other account-related questions get assistance?

They can refer to on.ny.gov/techhelp for assistance with password recovery or other account-related issues.

What is the purpose of the personal ID number or PIN created during the application process?

The personal ID number or PIN serves as the applicant's electronic signature and is used every time they access the claims processing system.

Why is it important to not share the personal PIN with others?

It is important to keep the PIN private because it is used for secure access to the claims processing system and acts as an electronic signature.

How can applicants certify for unemployment benefits once they are able to do so?

Applicants can certify for benefits online at labor.ny.gov/signin by signing in with their NY.GOV ID and password, or by calling the automated phone system at 888-581-5812.

What should applicants expect to receive after their claim is officially processed?

After the claim is processed, applicants will receive a determination letter indicating their eligibility for UI and the amount of their weekly benefit payments, as well as messages from the Department of Labor.

How can applicants check the status of their unemployment benefit payments?

Applicants can log in to their NY.GOV account, click on Unemployment Services, and select 'View Payment History' to see the status of their payments.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Applying for Unemployment Benefits Online

Commissioner Roberta Reardon guides viewers through the process of applying for unemployment benefits using the online system. The video promises to keep applicants informed through various communication channels. To apply, one must gather necessary personal and employment information, such as that found on a W-2 form or an employer-provided record of employment. An NY.gov account is required for online services, including filing a claim, receiving updates, and registering for direct deposit. The video instructs on creating an account if needed and logging in to start the application process. It outlines the steps to file a claim, including entering Social Security number, creating a personal ID number (PIN), and providing mother's maiden name for security. The application involves reading instructions, answering employment-related questions, and certifying for benefits weekly. It also covers choosing a payment method, with direct deposit being the recommended option.

05:01

🔍 Post-Application Steps and Identity Verification

After submitting the unemployment benefits application, the Department of Labor (DOL) will review and process it. The video explains that DOL uses ID.me technology for identity verification, and applicants may receive instructions via email, text, or letter if selected for this process. Communication will continue through emails and text messages as the claim is processed. Applicants must certify for benefits weekly once they are notified to do so, either online at labor.ny.gov/signin or by calling an automated phone system. The video also details the process of receiving a determination letter that informs applicants of their eligibility and benefit amount. It guides on how to check payment status via the NY.gov account and mentions that payments typically appear within three business days after being released by the DOL.

Keywords

💡Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits, also known as unemployment insurance (UI), are financial assistance programs designed to provide temporary income support to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In the context of the video, Commissioner Roberta Reardon is guiding viewers on how to apply for these benefits online, emphasizing that it is the best and fastest way to apply.

💡Online Application

An online application refers to the process of submitting required information through the internet to apply for services or benefits. The video script details the steps to apply for unemployment benefits online, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of this method as opposed to traditional paper applications.

💡NY.gov Account

A NY.gov account is a personal online account used to access various New York state government services. The script instructs viewers to create or use an existing NY.gov account to apply for unemployment benefits and to receive updates on their claims, demonstrating the importance of digital platforms in facilitating government services.

💡Personal ID Number (PIN)

A Personal ID Number, or PIN, is a unique, secret code used to authenticate a user's identity in an automated system. In the script, applicants are required to create a PIN during the unemployment benefits application process, which serves as their electronic signature and is crucial for accessing the claims processing system.

💡Social Security Number

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents for Social Security purposes. The video script mentions that applicants need to enter their SSN during the online application process, which is a common requirement for verifying identity and eligibility for government programs.

💡Mother's Maiden Name

A mother's maiden name is traditionally used as a security question to verify an individual's identity. In the context of the video, applicants are asked to provide their mother's maiden name during the application process, illustrating the use of personal information for security purposes.

💡Weekly Certification

Weekly certification is the process where individuals claim their unemployment benefits by reporting their job search activities, availability, and eligibility for the week. The script explains that after filing the initial claim, applicants must certify for benefits each week they are unemployed and eligible, which is a key step in maintaining their benefit payments.

💡Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is a method of electronic funds transfer where one party orders a bank to transfer money directly into a specified account. The video script explains that direct deposit is the fastest and easiest method to receive unemployment benefits, and applicants are prompted to enter their bank account information if they choose this payment method.

💡Debit Card

A debit card is a plastic payment card that can be used instead of cash when making purchases. In the script, a debit card is presented as an alternative payment method for unemployment benefits, alongside direct deposit, offering flexibility for recipients to access their funds.

💡ID.me

ID.me is a secure online identity verification platform. The video mentions that the Department of Labor (DOL) uses ID.me's technology to verify the identity of UI applicants, which is an important step in the application process to prevent fraud and ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits.

💡Claim Determination

A claim determination is the official decision made by an agency regarding an individual's eligibility for benefits. The script informs viewers that after their application is processed, they will receive a determination letter from the DOL, which will indicate whether they are eligible for UI and, if so, the amount of their weekly benefit payments.

Highlights

Introduction by Commissioner Roberta Reardon for the unemployment benefits application process.

Communication through emails, text messages, and letters to keep applicants informed about claim status.

Online application is the best and fastest way to apply for unemployment insurance (UI).

Preparation of personal and employment information before filing a claim.

Instructions to obtain wage and employer information from W-2 or record of employment.

Necessity to create an NY.gov account for accessing unemployment online services.

Advice against creating a new NY.gov account if one already exists.

Guidance on signing up for an NY.gov account at labor.ny.gov/signin.

Process to log in and start the unemployment benefits application online.

Creation of a personal ID number (PIN) for electronic signature purposes.

Importance of remembering the PIN and not sharing it with others.

Entering mother's maiden name for security during the application process.

Reviewing and agreeing to terms and conditions of the application for benefits.

Series of questions about the last 18 months of employment to be answered accurately.

Weekly certification screen for reporting hours worked and wages earned.

Questions about readiness, willingness, and ability to work as part of the claim.

Options for receiving benefit payments: Direct Deposit or Debit Card.

Advantages of direct deposit for receiving unemployment benefits quickly.

Final step of reviewing and submitting the application with a confirmation page.

Use of ID.me’s secure technology for identity verification of UI applicants.

Instructions for identity verification through email, text, or letter.

Certification process for benefits through online or automated phone system.

Receiving a determination letter with eligibility and weekly benefit payment details.

Accessing payment history through NY.GOV account for tracking released payments.

Timeline for payment appearance in bank account or on debit card after release by DOL.

Transcripts

I'm Commissioner Roberta Reardon, and I'm here to walk you through

applying for unemployment benefits with our online system.

We'll keep you in the loop throughout the process.

Through emails, text messages and letters so you know the status of

your claim.

Applying online through this application is the best and fastest way

to apply for unemployment insurance, also known as UI.

This video will show you how to file and what to expect

during this process.

Before you file your claim for benefits,

Make sure you have all the following information ready:

You also must have your wage and employer information

If you have an employer, you can get the following information

from your most recent W-2 or your record of employment provided by your employer.

Press pause here to write this information down

or take a screenshot to refer to this information when you file your application

After you've collected all of this information and are ready to file,

you will need to create an NY.gov account in order to access unemployment

online services This is how you will receive updates on your account, register

for direct deposit and communicate with the DOL through email.

If you have an existing NY.GOV account, please do not create a new account.

Use the NY gov login and password that you already have.

If you have forgotten your password or have other questions

about your account, refer to on.ny.gov/techhelp for assistance.

If you do not have an NY.gov account sign up at labor.ny.gov/signin

Click the Create NY Govt account

and answer the questions when prompted.

Once you've created an NY gov account,

you can apply for unemployment benefits online to do so.

Visit unemployment.labor.ny.gov

You'll first come to the login screen.

Please log in with your NY.gov username and password

once you have successfully logged in you will see a welcome screen.

It will state your first and last name, not your NY.GOV username.

Select the File a Claim button to begin your claim

on the first page of the online claim application.

You will see general instructions and a reminder about the information

you should have on hand to file your claim.

Read the instructions carefully, then select the Continue button.

You'll be asked to enter your Social Security number.

Next, you will create your personal ID number or PIN.

It is important that you remember your PIN.

This is your electronic signature and you will use it

every time you access the claims processing system.

Never share your pin with others.

On this page you'll also be asked to enter your mother's maiden name,

which is used for security purposes.

Please, double check spelling before you continue.

The next screen you see will be a list of terms and conditions

that apply to your application for benefits.

Read all the terms and conditions carefully and select

I Agree to continue.

You will then be asked a series of questions about your last 18 months of employment.

Answer these questions accurately based on your situation.

When you've answered all the questions in the application, you will come

to the weekly certification screen for the week in which you are filing.

You will be required to answer a few questions about your hours

worked and wages earned over the last week.

When completing your benefits claim, you will be asked whether you were

ready, willing, and able to work.

Next, you'll be asked how you would like

to receive your benefits payments if you are found eligible.

Use the dropdown menu to select Direct Deposit or Debit Card.

Direct deposit is the fastest and easiest method to receive unemployment benefits.

If you choose this method of payment, you will be prompted to enter your bank

account information.

The final step in your application is reviewing your claim.

Select edit if you need to make changes.

Once you have reviewed your claim, select

Submit to complete your application.

You will then see the confirmation page

which includes important information about next steps.

Read and print this page for your records.

Then select Sign Out to exit the application.

After you've submitted your claim, the DOL will then begin reviewing

and processing your application for benefits.

DOL uses ID.me’s secure online technology to

verify the identity of UI applicants.

If selected for the ID.me process, you will receive an email,

text message, and/or letter with instructions

about how to verify your identity.

There is no need to call us.

We will send you emails

and text messages as your claim moves through the approval process.

During this time, you will be required to certify for benefits for all weeks

you are unemployed and eligible for benefits.

You will receive an email, text

or letter from the DOL once you are able to certify for benefits.

The fastest and easiest way to certify is online at

labor.ny.gov/signin

Sign in with your NY.GOV ID and password

and click the Unemployment Services button on the My Online Services page.

Then click Certify to Claim Your Weekly Benefits Here

and follow the instructions to certify.

If you are unable to certify online,

you can also call our automated phone system.

Call 888- 581-5812 to certify for UI benefits.

Remember,

certify every week once you have been notified that you are able to certify.

This will ensure that you are able

to collect benefits back to your first day of unemployment.

Once your claim is officially processed, you will receive a determination letter

which tells you if you are eligible for UI, and if you are

how much your weekly benefit payments will be.

You will also get a message from the Department of Labor.

This letter will be sent to your mailing address in the application

but you will also be able to get information on your weekly benefit

payments via your NY.GOV account.

To see the status of your payments,

log in with your NY.GOV ID, click on Unemployment Services

and select View Payment History.

You will be able to see if we have released your payments.

Once a payment has been released by the DOL,

it will typically appear in your bank account or debit card within three

business days.