ALBANY – The website used to file for unemployment insurance benefits underwent a major overhaul Thursday night to alleviate the enormous backlog created when thousands of workers were laid off due to COVID-19.
Governor Cuomo announced on Thursday that the system was being taken offline Thursday night to be revamped. The system was set to be back online at 7:30 Friday morning. According to Cuomo, the closure of all non-essential businesses created an overwhelming demand on the system.
The new website will allow applicants to answer a streamlined questionnaire. If any questions are unanswered, the applicant will get a message saying “Don’t call us, we will call you within 72 hours,” said Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa. If the application is fully completed and submitted, a message will tell the person “You are finished with the application process.”
During the daily briefing, DeRosa said that NYS had processed nearly 600,000 filings since March 9, and another 200,000 are pending.
Those seeking unemployment insurance benefits can begin the filing process at www.labor.ny.gov.
