Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for direct deposit?
You may register for direct deposit after you log in with your NY.gov ID. For security reasons, you cannot enroll in or change direct deposit information over the telephone.
- Click on Unemployment Services.
- Click on Update Your Personal Information.
- Click on Update/Register for Direct Deposit.
The direct deposit system is available:
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 am until midnight
- Saturday and Sunday, all day
You may also register when you file a new claim or from the "Confirmation Page" when you claim your weekly benefits.
When you register for direct deposit you must enter your:
- Bank Routing Number
- Checking Account Number
Copy these numbers from one of your checks. To help you find the numbers you need, view a picture of a sample check (PDF). Please be sure to enter your checking account information accurately. If you don't enter accurate information, your benefit payments may be delayed for 14 to 21 days.
Do not use a checking account deposit slip for your bank's routing number or your account number. Those slips may include numbers that do not apply to direct deposit.
If your banking institution has recently merged, your bank routing number and your checking account number may have changed. Contact them first to obtain the new bank routing and account numbers.
Once you register for direct deposit and your banking information has been verified, you do not need to re-register. You only have to re-register if your banking information changes.
How do I cancel or change my direct deposit information?
For security reasons, you cannot enroll in or change direct deposit information over the telephone. You must log in with your NY.gov ID and click on Unemployment Benefits to cancel or change your direct deposit information. The direct deposit system is available:
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 am until midnight
- Saturday and Sunday, all day
You also can access the direct deposit system from the "Confirmation Page" when you claim your UI weekly benefits.
Your "Confirmation Page" will include information about direct deposit each week you claim your weekly benefits, even if you did not choose the direct deposit option. You always have the option to choose direct deposit or stop direct deposit. You can update your direct deposit information there, if you have changed banking institutions.
How long does it take for direct deposit to take effect?
After we receive your account numbers, it takes about five business days to set up direct deposit and send benefits electronically to your checking account.
This applies whether you are:
- Registering for direct deposit, or
- Changing your existing account information
If you have a debit card, we transfer your weekly benefits to that account during this time. Once you establish direct deposit, you should see your benefits deposited to your checking account within three business days after you claim your weekly benefits.
You should verify receipt of your benefits with your banking institution before you write checks against that account.
What benefit programs do NOT allow direct deposit of benefits?
Direct deposit is not an option for:
- Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
- Alternate or Reemployment Trade Adjustment Allowances (ATAA or RTAA)
However, if you registered for direct deposit while you were receiving regular Unemployment Insurance, it will continue while you collect under this program.
I just filed a new claim; when will I receive my first payment?
If everything is in order on your claim, you should receive your first payment about three to four weeks after you apply for benefits.
What if I think my payment is late?
You must first learn if we released your benefit payment. Then, check to see if your benefit payment was deposited into your checking account.
To find out if a payment was released:
- Log in with your NY.gov ID and click on Unemployment Benefits
- Click on the icon to view your payment history
You may review your payment history online from 7:30 am to midnight, Sunday through Saturday.
If the payment has been released, check with your financial institution three business days after the payment release date. That will tell you if there was a deposit in your checking account.
If there are any issues on your claim, the Telephone Claim Center (TCC) may contact you. Follow the directions they give you.
How can I protect my direct deposit account and Unemployment Insurance benefits?
Beware of Scams
Beware of emails or text messages from unknown sources that ask you to share personal information, such as your:
- Social Security number
- PIN number
This is a clear sign of potential fraud. NOTE: The Department of Labor may use DocuSign, emails and texts to communicate with you about the status of your claim. These communications will be clearly labeled as being sent from the Department of Labor. See the DocuSign FAQs.
Verify your Deposit
Look for the deposit of your benefits in your personal checking account. If your benefits do not appear by four business days after the payment release date, call an agent at the Telephone Claim Center. If you think someone has hacked your account information, call your bank.
Reset Your PIN
For safety, reset your PIN on a regular basis or any time you think someone else knows it. Here is how you do it:
- Refer to - What If I forgot my PIN?
Remember -- you should never tell anyone your PIN or write your PIN down where others can see it.