THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES UPGRADED UNEMPLO...

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced that on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5 PM the Department will begin the upgrade of its system for processing unemployment insurance claims, known as Unemployment Services. The upgraded system will replace the 50-year-old system to make it easier for customers to access the support they need when they need it. Additionally, 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 is expected to take 9 to 12 days.

To support a secure transition from the current system to the upgraded platform during the upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. 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 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.
• 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. Remember: To stay eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, individuals must complete and record at least THREE work search activities each week. During the upgrade period, Career Centers will be available virtually by appointment for job search assistance. Make an appointment online.
• NYSDOL will notify all customers when the upgraded system is available.
• 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.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "An exciting new chapter begins for our agency with the launch of the Unemployment Services system, the largest system upgrade in the United States. This upgrade has been years in the making as we have worked hard to ensure that it delivers the results New Yorkers have been asking for and rightfully deserve. We are improving how we serve the public to make the process of filing a claim more straightforward, efficient, and user-friendly. This system will become a model for states across the nation, showing how, by embracing innovation, we can better deliver positive results for the people we serve across New York State."

For eligible New Yorkers, unemployment insurance benefits are a critical lifeline during difficult times. However, New York State's current unemployment insurance system is 50 years old and has struggled to meet the needs of the modern customer. NYSDOL's upgraded Unemployment Services system was designed with years of feedback from New Yorkers in mind.

This significant overhaul of the unemployment insurance system is part of NYSDOL's multi-pronged plan to modernize its customer-facing services. Using their existing NY.gov login, most users will be able to complete the entire claims process fully online, including from their smartphones. This includes filing a claim, certifying for weekly benefits, and receiving updates and notifications about their accounts. The upgraded system also maintains NYSDOL's strong protections for personal information and fraud prevention measures.

Advantages for Individuals:

Enhanced efficiency in claim processing: Missing customer information is one of the most common reasons claims are delayed. The upgraded system will automatically prompt customers to provide all required information before they file a claim. This will greatly reduce the frequency of claim delays.

Improved access: Customers will be able to file and certify claims from any device, including smartphones, when the system is upgraded. They will also be able to view the status of their claim, send and receive messages, and upload paperwork online using their existing NY.gov account. This will greatly reduce the need to call for assistance, shortening wait times for those who do need to speak with a customer service representative.

Expanded accessibility: The Unemployment Services system is designed to be compatible with assistive devices and technologies like screen readers. This will make it easier for New Yorkers with disabilities to access benefits, information, and resources.

Advantages for Businesses:

Real-time access: Businesses will have 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week access to make payments, view and update account information, add third-party representation, respond to requests for information about claims filed against their accounts and more. The upgraded system also provides better access to rate and financial information, helping to reduce overpayments and underpayments.

Expanded service options for representatives: Filing agents, powers of attorney, and third-party representatives can add and update customer information online.

As part of NYSDOL's commitment to transparency, additional updates will be provided throughout the upgrade period to keep the public informed. For more information regarding this historic system upgrade or to register for email and text notifications, visit the Department's Unemployment Services webpage.