New York Unemployment System Going Offline for 12 Days

The New York State Department of Labor will take its unemployment insurance system offline for up to 12 days starting Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m., as part of a transition to a new platform replacing technology that is more than 50 years old.

During the upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be unavailable. Anyone needing to file a new claim or certify for weekly benefits must do so by the 5 p.m. deadline on Nov. 2.

The new system, called Unemployment Services, will allow people to file claims from their phone and track claims in real time. It aims to improve access for customers while streamlining requirements for businesses and maintaining fraud prevention measures.

Unemployment insurance payments will be delayed during the transition. The agency stated that customers will receive all benefit payments they are entitled to once the upgrade is complete and they file or certify for benefits in the new system.

People receiving unemployment benefits must continue to complete and record work search activities during the shutdown. Individuals must complete and record at least three work search activities each week unless they are exempt from the requirement.

The New York State Department of Labor will notify customers when the upgraded system becomes available. Additional upgrades will be provided during the upgrade period.

Electronic filing for Form NYS-1 and NYS-45 through the state Department of Taxation and Finance will not be affected by the system upgrade.