URGENT: THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S UNEMPLOYMENT INS...

Unemployment insurance services will be unavailable during upgrade period  

Unemployment system upgrade announcement video can be found here 

NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon is available for interviews 

NYSDOL Associate Commissioner Melissa Quesada is available for Spanish-language interviews

 The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reminds New Yorkers that the upgrade of its unemployment insurance system begins TODAY at 5 PM. The process to bring the upgraded Unemployment Services system fully online is expected to take9 to 12 days. During this period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. Customers will not be able to file new unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information during the upgrade period. The deadline to file a claim or certify is TODAY, November 2, 2026, at 5 PM.   

Individuals and businesses should be aware of the following:  

• 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. 
• CRITICAL: Customers must 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 unless they are exempt from work search requirements.  
• Career Centers will be available virtually only by appointment for job search assistance. Make an appointment online.  
• NYSDOL will notify all customers once the upgraded system is available.   
• The Unemployment Services upgrade will not affect electronic filing for Form 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.  

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.   

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Today begins a new chapter. The upgraded system will streamline the application process for unemployment insurance and put New Yorkers in the driver's seat. During this upgrade period, I want to remind our customers that our career services remain accessible on our website, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are looking for a new career, we are here to help.”  

Customers seeking new careers are encouraged to take advantage of NYSDOL’s services, including the Virtual Career Center, which connects job seekers to over 250,000 available job opportunities statewide. Additional resources include the New York State Job Bank, Part-Time Hiring Opportunities Job Bank, NY Seasonal Jobs, and a comprehensive calendar of virtual workshops and career fairs. JobZone also provides tools to assist New Yorkers in career planning, resume building, and job search organization. 

Additional updates will be provided throughout the upgrade period on the agency’s website. For more information regarding this historic system upgrade or to register for email and text notifications, visit the Department’s Unemployment Services webpage.