The New York State Department of Labor has announced that it will begin upgrading its system for processing unemployment insurance claims. It will replace its 50-year-old system to make it easier for customers to access the support they need when they need it. The DOL adds that the upgraded system will significantly streamline requirements for businesses while maintaining strong personal information protection and fraud prevention for all customers. The process to bring the upgraded Unemployment Services system fully online will begin on Monday, November 2nd at 5:00 PM and is expected to take 9-12 days.
All online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade process. Individuals and businesses should be aware of the following:
- Customers will not be able to file new unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information. The deadline to file a claim or certify is 5:00 PM on Monday, November 2nd.
- Individuals will experience delays in payments; however, customers will receive all benefit payments to which they are entitled once the upgrade is complete and they file or certify for benefits in the upgraded system.
- Customers should continue to complete and record work search activities during the upgrade period.
- The Unemployment Services upgrade will not affect electronic filing for NYS-1 and NYS-45 through the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (TAX). Businesses will continue to file NYS-1 and NYS-45 through TAX once Unemployment Services is available.
