NY.gov ID Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Always use the correct link to login. Do not use bookmarks or favorites. Always go to labor.ny.gov/signin to login into your online account.
  • If you are having issues logging in, you may need to clear your browser cache. Go here to learn how to clear your browser cache. Once you clear your cache close your browser and try again.
  • If you forgot your username, you can recover your username using Forgot Username Self Services
  • If you forgot your password, you can create a new one using Forgot Password Self Services

If you are experience issues logging in with your NY.gov username and password, you can call 888-209-8124 to file a claim over the telephone. If you cannot log in and you need to certify for weekly benefits you can certify for weekly benefits with our automated phone system by calling 888-581-5812.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Question Answer
What is NY.gov ID?

A NY.gov ID is a username and password that enables you to securely access the services New York State agencies offer online.

Can I use my Social Security number and PIN to access the UI Benefits online system? No. The only way to access the UI Benefits online system is with your NY.gov ID Username and Password.
Do I still need my PIN? Yes. You will need your PIN to use our UI telephone services. Your NY.gov ID Username and Password is only used for online services. 
How do I create an NY.gov account?

You can create an NY.gov account here.

Important: If you completed an application for Unemployment Insurance on the phone with the Telephone Claims Center, please wait at least one business day before creating your NY.GOV ID.

To create a new NY.GOV account, you will be asked for some personal information, including:

An email address you use regularly and one that you do not share with anyone else. For example, you cannot use your husband's or wife's email address; you must have your own. This is very important, because the system allows only one NY.GOV account linked to a particular email address.
First name and last name: please be aware that you will not be able to change the name you enter, so please enter your correct, legal name.

Will I need an email address to create an NY.gov ID account? Yes. You need an email address that you use regularly. You will use it to receive messages about your account. Your email address cannot be the same one used by another person with an NY.gov ID account.
Will I have to create an NY.gov ID every time I certify for UI benefits online? No. You only have to create an NY.gov ID once.  Once you use an NY.gov account to access Unemployment Services online such as certify for weekly benefits, that is the only NY.gov account you can use in the future to access Unemployment Services online.
What do I do if I forgot my username?

Click on forgot my username. You will need to enter your name and email address.  After you enter you name and email address click "Email me the Username" and your username will be emailed to you.

Please note if you have multiple email addresses, make sure to provide the email address for the account you used previously with the NYS Department of Labor to access Unemployment Online Services.

What do I do if I forgot my password? Click on I forgot my password. After entering your User Id, you can select to have the password reset via Email or by answering ‘Secret Questions’.
I tried to reset my password, but I cannot answer the 'Secret questions'? Click on I forgot my password. After entering your User Id select to have the password reset via Email.  You will receive an email with a link to create a new password.  After you create a new password, you will be prompted to create new security questions.
I tried my password too many times. Now the system has locked me out and directed me to contact the system Administer to have it reset. Resetting your password will unlock your account.  To reset your password, click on I forgot my password. After entering your User Id you can select to have the password reset via Email or by answering ‘Secret Questions’.
Why is the NYS Department of Labor requiring multi-factor authentication to access Unemployment Services Online?

The NYS Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to safeguarding the unemployment system and protecting New Yorkers who receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. We continue to upgrade our technologies to ensure that New Yorkers’ online data and benefits are secure and protected from cyber criminals. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be required for all New Yorkers who use the Unemployment Insurance portal of the Labor Online Services website (labor.ny.gov/signin). 

With this additional layer of security, users will be required to use a second authentication method to access unemployment information, certify for benefits, and take other actions related to UI through their online accounts. By using an MFA-protected application, even if someone were to guess or steal a username and password, they still would not be able to log in without the second factor. 

How do I setup and/or use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access Unemployment Services Online? Information including videos and resource guides for setting up and using MFA is available on the NYS Department of Labor’s website.  Please visit this page for more information.
After I login and click the Unemployment Services button, I give my Social Security Number and get this message "You used a different NY.gov username in the past.  Please log in with that username instead. If you have forgotten that username, please sign out and select "Forgot Username" to retrieve it.  

If you received this message when attempting to access Unemployment Services, it means you previously used Unemployment Services online. The NY.gov username that you used previously is now linked to your Unemployment Services online and you must sign in with that username, no other NY.gov username that you might have created will work with Unemployment Services online. If you know the email address that was used to create the NY.gov account you used previously with the Department of Labor you can try to recover your username using self-service.

Click on forgot my username. You will need to enter your name and email address.  After you enter you name and email address click "Email me the Username" and your username will be emailed to you.

Please note, if you have multiple email addresses, make sure to provide the email address for the account you used previously with the NYS Department of Labor to access Unemployment Online Services.

If you continue to experience this issue you can call 1-800-833-3000 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30pm Eastern for assistance.  

You can certify for weekly benefits using our automated phone system by calling 888-581-5812.

 If you need to file a claim you can do it over the telephone by calling 1-888-209-8124 Monday - Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm

Why might I have to enter my Social Security number more than once? When we process your initial application for UI benefits, we also verify that your Social Security number (SSN) is correct and really yours. This step ensures your protection from identity theft. Once your application is successfully processed and you sign in with an NY.gov ID, you will not have to enter your SSN again.
How can I update my contact information with the Department of Labor?

You can change your contact information with the Department Online by going to labor.ny.gov/signin and logging in your account.  After you login in select your name at the top of the page then select "Account Profile" then select "Change Address/Contact Information".  You can update your mailing address, phone number and your preferred language.

What is ID.me?

NYS DOL uses ID.me’s secure online technology to verify the identity of unemployment insurance (UI) claimants and applicants. This tool allows New Yorkers to submit their identity documentation safely and efficiently as needed by the DOL.

When signing into the ID.me system, you must use the same email address that is associated to your NY.gov account. If you fail to do so, the completion of your verification will take longer than the normal processing time.  If you are unsure what email address is associated to your NY.gov account see the FAQ "How to update my email address from my NY.gov account?"

More information about ID.me including resources to help you use ID.me are available here.

What is the Virtual Career Center? The Virtual Career Center is a job search site, designed to help people find their next career. Through advanced artificial intelligence, job seekers can more accurately match their skills and experience to opportunities with New York businesses. The Virtual Career Center features a Career Planner, which will evaluate your profile and skills against your preferred occupations. Career Planner then recommends courses you can take at no cost through Coursera.
How do I register to the Virtual Career Center? You can register for an account to Coursera through the Virtual Career Center. After visiting the Virtual Career Center, the next time you sign in to NY.gov, Coursera will be visible on your landing page under Job Search.
What is Coursera? Coursera is an online learning platform with nearly 4,000 classes across high-growth industries. Many programs provide pathways to certifications, professional certificates, and can help elevate your career.
How do I register for an account on Coursera? You can register for an account to Coursera through the Virtual Career Center. After visiting the Virtual Career Center, the next time you sign in to NY.gov, Coursera will be visible on your landing page under Job Search.
How do I update my email address for my NY.gov account? Go to my.ny.gov and sign in with the username and password you use to access your DOL Online Services. After you login select "Update My Account" at the top of the page, then change your email address and click modify account.
Once I have signed in to my NY.gov Online Services page, how do I certify for benefits? To certify online, go to labor.ny.gov/signin and sign in to your account.
Click the “Unemployment Services” button on the My Online Services page.
Then click “Claim Weekly Benefits” and follow the instructions.
You can also certify using our automated phone system by calling 888-581-5812.
How do I update my payment method for for unemployment insurance benefits?

You can update your payment method when you certify weekly and at any time through your NY.gov account. 

To sign up for or update direct deposit once your claim is complete:
Go to labor.ny.gov/signin and sign in to your account
Select "Unemployment Service" on the My Online Services page
Select "Update My Personal Information"
Verify your Identity when prompted
Select "Update/Register for Direct Deposit

You will be able to cancel direct deposit, setup direct deposit or update your direct deposit information from this page.

How do I access my 1099-G for unemployment insurance benefits?

All unemployment benefits are taxable. New Yorkers who received benefits are required to include their Statement for Recipients of Certain Government Payments (or 1099-G) when filing taxes.

Customers who want to download their 1099-G tax forms electronically should follow these instructions:
Log in to your online account with your NY.gov ID
Click on "Unemployment Services"
Click "View/Print Your 1099-G"

How do I update my unemployment insurance state and/or federal tax withholdings?

You can change your Federal and/or State Tax Withholding options online by logging into labor.ny.gov/signin and selecting "Unemployment Services", then select "Update My Personal Information".  You will be redirected to verify your identity.  Once your Identity has been verified, go back to the "Update My Personal Information" page and select the option to "Update Tax Withholding".

If you are having issues updating you tax withholdings online you can call 1-888-209-8124 to have your tax witholdings updated.

How do I send documents to the NYS Department of Labor using my online account.

You can send documents to the DOL using your online account. For instructions, visit on.ny.gov/securemessage.

If you have been asked to upload documents but are unable to attach files through our secure email system, you may need to verify your NY.gov account.  

To verify your account, wait at least one day after your claim was filed, log in and select "Unemployment Services" , then enter your Social Security Number and PIN.   Once you have verified your account, you will be able to upload documents.

If you continue to experience issues sending documents to the Department of Labor using your online account you can mail or fax documents to the Department of Labor.

By Fax: 
518-457-9378

By Mail: 
New York State Department of Labor
PO BOX 15130
Albany, NY 12212-5130

Will the Department of Labor share my UI information with other state agencies? No. The DOL will not share information that is pertinent only to UI claims. For example, your Social Security number will not be shared with other state agencies. Information that can be used for purposes other than UI, like your full name and email address, will be shared with other state agencies.
Will New York State be able to collect and view too much information about me? New York State will only collect the information needed to administer agency services. For more details about the information that is collected from visitors to the DOL website, please read the agency's privacy policy.
What if I am still having issues logging in or using my NY.gov account after viewing these FAQs?

If you still need assistance with your NY.gov account please call 1-800-833-3000 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to speak to a representative at the DOL Contact Center.

You can certify for weekly benefits using our automated phone system by calling 888-581-5812.

If you need to file a claim you can do it over the telephone by calling 1-888-209-8124 Monday - Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm