New York State is now allowing residents eligible under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program to apply via the state. This includes previously ineligible applicants, including the self-employed and independent contractors.
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm
To see if you’re eligible for Pandemic Unemployment click below https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.pdf
New York State is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to COVID-19 closures or quarantines.
New York State has instituted a filing method based on your last name.
https://applications.labor.ny.gov/IndividualReg/
New York State employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working decreased hours.
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/employerinfo/shared-work-program.shtm
The Federal government has stated that the following individuals are now eligible for Unemployment.
(1) An employer temporarily halts operations due to COVID-19, restricting employees from coming to work; (2) An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and (3) An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member. Also, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.
This is a directive to the States only. The Federal government does not offer Unemployment Insurance. Instead, you must file through your state.