Trouble filing your unemployment claim? Here are some helpful resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to layoffs and furloughs throughout the tri-state area. Due to overwhelming demand, it can be tough to find out how to file your unemployment insurance claims.  Here are some resources to help.
New York State Department of Labor
According to the New York State Department of Labor website, the best way to file an unemployment insurance claim is online.  To file your claim, click here.
According to the Department of Labor:
Please do not call the Telephone Claims Center unless you are instructed to call to complete your application. If you are instructed to call to complete your claim, the only valid number is 1-888-209-8124.
The website offers a step-by-step process on how to file a claim here.
You can also estimate the amount of money you will receive through unemployment insurance here.
The state has published this FAQ related to COVID-19
Schedule based on last name:
If you are filing a new Unemployment Insurance claim, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name.
A - F file on Monday | G - N file on Tuesday | O - Z file on Wednesday
Missed your day? File on Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun
Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid for all benefits due.
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
A message on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website:
$600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC)
If you are currently collecting unemployment: Residents already collecting unemployment will begin to see their $600 supplemental unemployment benefit arrive April 14 (for the week of March 29th). It will be a separate payment from your regular unemployment benefit, and will continue through July 25.
New filers: You also will be eligible for the additional $600/week; it will be retroactive to the week of March 29th.
Freelancers, gig workers, independent contractors: While we wait for federal guidelines, we encourage you to apply for unemployment now. Your claim likely will be denied, but your ineligibility for regular unemployment is a prerequisite for receiving benefits due to COVID-19. Additional details will be posted online as they become available.
We are also awaiting guidance on the 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Please check back for details.
To see a step-by-step guide on how to file a claim, go here
Here is a Social Security Number schedule to file your unemployment insurance claim:
TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: All SSNs may certify on these days
If the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number are between:
0000 and 1250 certify between 8am and 9am
1251 and 2500 certify between 9am and 10am
2501 and 3750 certify between 10am and 11am
3751 and 5000 certify between 11am and 12pm
5001 and 6250 certify between 12pm and 1pm
6251 and 7500 certify between 1pm and 2pm
7501 and 8750 certify between 2pm and 3pm
8751 and 9999 certify between 3pm and 4pm
9376 and 9999 certify between 3pm and 4pm
If you miss your designated window on your scheduled day, you may certify later that day from 4pm to 7pm.
Connecticut Department of Labor

The Connecticut Department of Labor's website can be found here.
The state has published an unemployment FAQ for people seeking unemployment insurance connected to COVID019. that can be found here
The state has also created an informational video:
 
The Department of Labor has also published a tutorial guide on how to file for unemployment insurance.