Alyssa Lane
New York State Unemployment Insurance is a benefit for eligible unemployed adults. Employers must register for unemployment insurance and can calculate their contribution rate, which is made up of a normal and subsidiary rate, online. Employees can also estimate their weekly benefit amount online. To apply for unemployment benefits, individuals can apply online or by phone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to apply for NYS unemployment insurance | Apply online on the NYS DOL website or by phone at 888-209-8124 |
| How to certify benefits | By phone at 888-581-5812 |
| Who to contact if hearing-impaired | Telephone Claims Center at 888-783-1370 |
| Who to contact for TTY/TDD | A relay operator at 800-662-1220, then ask to be connected to the Telephone Claims Center |
| How to estimate weekly unemployment insurance benefits | Use the online tool on the NYS DOL website |
| How to calculate an employer's contribution rate | The contribution rate is the normal rate plus the subsidiary rate |
| Re-employment Services Fund rate | 0.075% |
| How to combat unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft | NYS DOL provides resources, including guidance on reporting fraud and protecting personal information |
| Who to contact for free, impartial, and confidential services | Advocates who help claimants understand their rights and responsibilities under Unemployment Insurance Law |
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What You'll Learn
Calculating an employer's contribution rate
An employer's New York State Unemployment Insurance contribution rate is made up of two parts: the normal and the subsidiary contribution. The amount of money in the U.I. Trust Fund determines the employer's normal contribution rate, while the balance in the General Account determines the subsidiary contribution rate. Both of these contributions are experience-rated, meaning they depend on the individual employer's unemployment history.
The normal contribution rate is fixed each year according to the size of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and cannot exceed 3.4%. For 2025, the employer normal contribution rate is 3.4%. If an employer has been liable for five quarters or more before a rate computation date (December 31st), they will qualify to receive a rate based on their U.I. experience. An account balance is maintained for each employer, calculated as the normal contributions paid minus any benefits paid to former employees charged to the employer's account. This balance is then divided by the employer's five-year average payroll subject to contribution. If the employer has been liable for less than five years, the average is computed from the initial date of liability to the end of the last payroll year. This calculation results in the account percentage, which corresponds to a particular normal rate on the UI contribution rate table.
The subsidiary contribution rate can vary. The Re-employment Services Fund rate, which is part of the subsidiary contribution rate, is 0.075% and applies to all contributory accounts. This rate is used to calculate line #5 on the NYS 45 form, which is the Quarterly Combined Withholding, Wage Reporting, and Unemployment Insurance Report.
To calculate an employer's total contribution rate, add the normal contribution rate to the subsidiary contribution rate. This total rate is used to calculate line #4 on the NYS 45 form.
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Applying for unemployment benefits
To apply for unemployment benefits in New York, you must meet the qualifying conditions set by law. You can apply for unemployment benefits if you worked in New York State within the last 18 months. You can apply even if you are uncertain about your eligibility, and the department will make an independent assessment.
The easiest way to apply is online on the NYS DOL website. You will need to sign in and create a NY.gov ID account, and follow the instructions to "file a claim." If you have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State before, you must create a PIN—a four-digit number that you must keep confidential. This PIN will be used to access the system to certify for weekly benefits and update your account.
If you apply online, it is best to do so between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM. You can also apply for unemployment benefits by phone by calling 888-209-8124. If you are found eligible, you will need to certify your benefits every week by calling 888-581-5812. Interpretation services are available for those who need them. If you are hearing-impaired, you can call the Telephone Claims Center at 888-783-1370. For TTY/TDD, call a relay operator first at 800-662-1220, and ask the operator to call the Telephone Claims Center for you.
After you complete your application for a new claim for benefits, you will receive a Monetary Determination in the mail informing you of your weekly benefit rate, the base period used to establish your claim, and the employers and wages used to calculate your weekly benefit rate. If you are eligible, your first payment will generally be made within two to three weeks from the time your claim is completed and processed.
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Identity fraud and protection
To find out your NYS unemployment insurance rate, you can use the online tool provided by the NYS DOL to estimate a weekly unemployment insurance benefit amount. It is important to note that this tool only provides an estimate, and to confirm your eligibility and actual benefit amount, you must file an unemployment insurance claim.
Now, more than ever, it is important to be vigilant about protecting your personal information and identity online. Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for its victims. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from identity fraud and ensure your personal information remains secure:
Protecting Your Identity:
- Check your credit reports regularly: Regularly reviewing your credit reports can help you detect any unauthorized activity or accounts opened in your name. You are entitled to a free credit report, so take advantage of this to monitor your credit health and identify any potential identity theft early on.
- Keep your personally identifying information private: Your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal details should be closely guarded. Do not share this information with anyone unless absolutely necessary, and be cautious about providing it online.
- Protect yourself online: Use secure passwords, enable two-factor authentication where available, and be cautious when clicking links or providing personal information on websites. Be wary of phishing attempts through email or text messages that try to trick you into providing personal information.
- Safeguard your child's identity: Minors can also be victims of identity theft. Ensure you protect their personal information and regularly check for any suspicious activity.
- Learn about fraud alerts and security freezes: These tools can help protect your credit and prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. Should you become a victim of identity theft, these tools can help mitigate the damage and protect your credit score.
Additionally, the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection offers resources and guidance through its Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program. This program provides information to help reduce the risk of identity theft and assists victims in addressing the consequences of this crime. Remember, identity theft can have serious financial and legal implications, so it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect yourself and your personal information.
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Joint accounts and voluntary contributions
To apply for unemployment benefits in New York State, you can do so online on the NYS DOL website or by phone by calling 888-209-8124. If you are eligible for benefits, you will need to certify them every week.
Now, let's discuss joint accounts and voluntary contributions in the context of New York State unemployment insurance.
Joint Accounts
A joint account in the context of unemployment insurance can be established by two or more qualified employers who are in the same or related types of business or share a common financial interest. This joint account is treated as if it belonged to a single employer for experience rating purposes, meaning all the firms in the joint account will have the same UI rate. However, each employer in the joint account must still file separate quarterly returns. Once established, a joint account must be maintained for a minimum of two calendar years from the year it was created.
Voluntary Contributions
Voluntary contributions are another aspect of unemployment insurance in New York State. While not much information is publicly available about voluntary contributions, they are mentioned in the context of joint accounts and employer contribution rates. Employers with questions about voluntary contributions should direct their inquiries to the Department of Labor's Employer Account Adjustment Section.
To better understand joint accounts and voluntary contributions and how they may impact your specific situation, it is advisable to refer to the New York State Department of Labor's resources or consult with a qualified professional.
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How to calculate your weekly benefit
To calculate your weekly benefit for New York State Unemployment Insurance, you must first file an Unemployment Insurance claim to find out if you are eligible and learn your actual benefit amount. You can file a claim online on the NYS DOL website or by phone by calling 888-209-8124. Interpretation services are available, and if you are hearing-impaired, you can have an assistant call the Telephone Claims Center at 888-783-1370.
If you are eligible for benefits, you will need to certify your benefits every week. You can do this by calling 888-581-5812. Your weekly benefit payment amount (benefit rate) depends on how much and when you were paid before you became unemployed. There is a formula used to calculate your rate.
You should file your claim during your first week of total or partial unemployment. For the purposes of Unemployment Insurance, a week runs from Monday to Sunday. You must file your claim for the previous week on the last day of that week (Sunday) through the following Saturday. This is called the claim window. Any certification made on a Sunday is for the week ending that day.
If you are found eligible, you will receive any back weeks of benefits owed with your first payment. Your benefits will be paid via direct deposit or bank debit card. If you are found ineligible, you will receive a determination explaining the reason. If you disagree, you may request a hearing within 30 days of the determination.
Note that "Vacation Pay" includes pay received or owed for vacation days that were scheduled before you lost your job and that fell within the week you are claiming. It does not include pay for other unused vacation days simply because your employment ended. Similarly, "Holiday Pay" includes pay received or owed for holidays that fell within the week you are claiming but does not include pay for unused holiday credits. If you are back to work, you should not claim benefits for any day in which you worked, even if you have not yet received your first paycheck.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for unemployment benefits online on the NYS DOL website or by calling 888-209-8124.
You can view the current unemployment insurance rates and calculate your contribution rate on the NYS DOL website. An employer's contribution rate is the sum of the normal rate and the subsidiary rate. The normal rate is determined by the U.I. Trust Fund, while the subsidiary rate is determined by the General Account.
For 2025, the new employer normal contribution rate is 3.4%. This rate cannot exceed 3.4% and is fixed each year according to the size of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
You can use the NYS DOL's online tool to estimate your weekly unemployment insurance benefit amount. However, this tool only provides an estimate, and you must file an Unemployment Insurance claim to determine your eligibility and actual benefit amount.
