New York Layoff Resources
If you have been laid off in New York, start here for unemployment, health coverage, basic-needs assistance, workforce services, and help with possible workplace problems.
Eligibility varies by program, so use the official links below for current rules and applications.
Unemployment Benefits and Filing
New York Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. Certify every week you remain unemployed and want benefits. Unless you have an approved exception or work-search plan, complete and record at least three work-search activities each week.
- New York unemployment information
- New York work-search requirements
- Unemployment assistance: 888-209-8124
Layoff-Notice Protections
New York’s WARN Act is broader than federal WARN. It generally applies to private employers with 50 or more full-time employees in New York and requires 90 days’ notice before covered closings, relocations, mass layoffs, and certain reductions in work hours. Coverage can begin with 25 affected employees in some situations.
Health-Insurance Coverage
New York operates its own ACA marketplace. Losing job-based coverage generally creates a special enrollment opportunity through NY State of Health. Compare marketplace coverage, Medicaid, and COBRA before choosing.
Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance
myBenefits and local social-services districts are starting points for SNAP and other assistance. Childcare assistance and HEAP have separate program rules. For local food, rent, utilities, transportation, and emergency help, use 211 New York.
- myBenefits
- New York Child Care Assistance Program
- New York Home Energy Assistance Program
- 211 New York
- Dial 211
- New York housing resources
Workforce and Reemployment Services
New York Career Centers provide no-cost employment and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.
Workplace Problems and Legal Help
The New York State Department of Labor handles certain claims for unpaid wages, illegal deductions, and unpaid wage supplements. Employment-discrimination complaints under the New York Human Rights Law generally may be filed with the Division of Human Rights within three years for alleged acts occurring on or after February 15, 2024. Court and federal deadlines differ.
- File a New York wage complaint
- New York wage-and-hour information
- New York State Division of Human Rights
- File a New York discrimination complaint
- File an EEOC charge
Civil legal help
Last Reviewed: August 2026