Albany, N.Y. - The state Department of Labor has taken steps it hopes will make it easier for New Yorkers to file for unemployment.
It's created a new online application system and says most applicants will be contacted directly within 72 hours after their claim is submitted. In the last few weeks, the state has received hundreds of thousands of claims from people laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials say the updated Department of Labor unemployment site should be able to process a majority of applications, lowering the number of people who need to speak with a representative over the phone.