BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For any worker affected by the coronavirus, you should apply for Employment Insurance with the New York State Department of Labor.
The federal CARES Act provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for New Yorkers. The Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020.
Here's what you need to know:
If you are filing a new Unemployment Insurance claim:
- Apply online at labor.ny.gov/signin.
- You may also call 1-888-209-8154.
- You may qualify to receive 26 weeks of UI benefits.
- An additional $600/week starting 4/5/2020 until 7/31/2020
- An additional 13 weeks of UI benefits if you're still unemployed after 26 weeks.
If you are already approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits:
- You don't have to do anything, your benefits will already be updated. The Department of Labor asks that you do not call, as that will make it more difficult for others to reach an agent.
- You may qualify to receive 26 weeks of UI benefits.
- An additional $600/week starting 4/5/2020 until 7/31/2020
- An additional 13 weeks of UI benefits if you're still unemployed after 26 weeks.
If you are not traditionally eligible for UI benefits:
- Check your eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance at labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.pdf (See image attached to article).
- If you believe you are eligible, apply online at labor.ny.gov/signin or call 1-888-209-8154.
- You may qualify to receive 26 weeks of UI benefits.
- An additional $600/week starting 4/5/2020 until 7/31/2020
- An additional 13 weeks of UI benefits if you're still unemployed after 26 weeks.
File based on the first initial of your last name as follows:
- A-F: file on Monday
- G-N: file on Tuesday
- O-Z: file on Wednesday.
- If you missed a day, you can file on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
