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CHECKLIST For Securing Unemployment Benefits
1. Apply for NYS Unemployment Insurance
- If you applied for unemployment online between April 9-19, there is a high chance you will be asked to fill out a new application. This is because the DOL used a short application, but then on April 20th, they changed the application to a longer one. Check the inbox in your NY.gov account to see if the DOL has messaged you to fill out another application. Follow the link and fill it out.
- If you have not applied for Unemployment yet, you should start immediately. Call us at 718-706-9892 for help.
2. Complete Call
. DOL should call within 72 hours (after the call, the application is complete)
If you are waiting for more than two weeks for a call;
If you missed DOL's call and they never called you back;
If you had your call and they said they would mail you a letter with next steps, such as PUA link, but you never received anything:
- Check your NY.gov account for instructions on certifying and a link to PUA.
- Try to call the DOL again
- If there are no messages and you cannot reach them on the phone, then Email MEDIA@NYTWA.ORG your first and last name, only last 4 Social Security Number (not your whole social security number), the date you filed; and write in your message: incomplete call
3. Submit 1099s if requested via fax or upload through NY.Gov account
4. Start to certify every week. DOL will give you the date during your call. Certification does not mean you have been approved. It just means you are letting the Dept. of Labor know your unemployment status.
- Telephone: Call 888-581-5812, the DOL's automated telephone certification process, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Online: Go to your NY.gov account, click "Unemployment Services," and then choose "Claim weekly benefits."
5. Apply for PUA if you can:
Follow the link sent to you by the DOL to your NY.gov account or to your email.
- If you did not get a PUA link yet, and you applied before April 20th: you need to wait for the link. The new UI application also has PUA questions, but it is not the same as the PUA only application that you need. If you fill out the UI+PUA application that is public for everyone, the DOL will consider it a new application and you could be delayed. It is better to wait for your link. Contact us for help.
6. Uber, Lyft, FHV drivers
And Drivers with W2 Jobs who also drive Uber/Lyft/FHV:
file Reconsideration (appeal) over your denial of regular UI and at same time apply for PUA.
PUA looks at your net income, that means income after expenses. Regular NYS UI looks at gross income that you are paid by the employer. In NYS, Uber and Lyft drivers are employees under the Unemployment Insurance Law who have a right to be paid a percentage of the gross pay you get from your employer, not just the net income. (If you only drive part-time, there may not be a significant difference in your benefit rate). Drivers who have or have had a W2 job during this past 18 months may be getting lesser benefit if the DOL does not count your driving income.
Uber, Lyft and other FHV Drivers & Drivers with W2 Jobs: protect your right to get the maximum benefit.
- If the DOL asks you to file for PUA, then you should do it, so your benefit is not slowed down.
- At the same time, you should file an appeal (Reconsideration) of your denial of regular Unemployment to protect your right to get the maximum benefit.
- Contact us at MEDIA@NYTWA.ORG or 718-706-9892 to make sure you get your maximum benefit. You do not have to settle for less.
7. Yellow Cab Drivers & Greencab Drivers who only street hail:
Check your PUA application. If on the last page, Eligibility, it says, "You are not eligible..." then you have been denied and you need to request a hearing.
If you get a $0 MBD for PUA or a low benefit rate, you can request a hearing (appeal)
- Email MEDIA@NYTWA.ORG your first and last name, only last 4 Social Security Number (not your whole social security number), and the reason you were denied or reason you want to appeal.
8. Check 'Official Record of Payment History'
in your NY.Gov account to see what your benefit rate will be.
- If you do not see a payment for every week you are owed, then contact us. MEDIA@NYTWA.ORG or 718-706-9892.
9. This whole time, you must continue to certify every week,
until you are no longer unemployed.
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