NYS Department of Labor

Good afternoon –

Since launching on August 1, the Excluded Workers Fund application process has been running smoothly. To ensure that eligible workers are able to apply, fund administrators are continuously reviewing and updating the application process in coordination with our partner agencies and organizations.

Important updates and reminders will be posted as needed on the program FAQ page: dol.ny.gov/EWFApply

Here is a rundown of the most recent modifications:

  • The deadline to request an appeal has been extended from 3 days to 7 days from the date of determination, effective the week of August 9, 2021.
  • The EWF application was updated to allow applicants who filed NYS taxes in tax years 2018, 2019, or 2020 to enter Social Security numbers in the current ITIN field. The language of the relevant questions will also be updated initially in English and Spanish and in additional languages shortly thereafter.
  • The application instructions were modified to allow applicants to approximate the initial date they suffered pandemic-related income loss. Applicants whose initial date of income loss took place between approximately February 23, 2020 and March 27, 2020 may opt to indicate March 27, 2020 for purposes of the application.
  • Providing an email address is now optional for applicants who create an account using a mobile phone number. NOTE: Applicants must opt in to receive text messages to receive important claim-related notifications.
  • As a reminder, applicants must submit proof of NYS residency prior to March 27, 2020 AND proof of current NYS residency. For example, an unexpired NYS driver license issued after March 27, 2020 establishes current residency but not prior residency. In this case, applicants must submit additional documentation establishing NYS residency prior to March 27, 2020.
  • Eligible applicants have started receiving approval notifications, including the estimated timeframe for payment cards to be mailed to the address provided in their application. We estimate 6-8 weeks for the full application and payment process from the point of submission. This includes our comprehensive fraud analysis and standard state payment approval steps.
  • Since the launch of EWF, a 7-day pre-determination “buffer period” has existed for applicants who are unable to sufficiently provide the required eligibility documents. This is intended to reduce the number of situations where applicants are denied strictly based on the information provided and would then only have the option of appealing. If additional information is needed, applicants will receive a request to provide specific documents.
  • DOL has found various duplicate claim situations where applicants unknowingly created new accounts when attempting to simply resume their original application or respond to a request for additional information. Applicants should be mindful to resume their application, or respond to requests, by using the credentials they used when they initially created their application. Applicants should confirm that they only have one Claim ID number. NOTE: Duplicate applications may prolong processing time and be automatically denied.

For specific questions about required documents, applicants should call 877-EWF-4NYS (877-393-4697) to speak with an agent or visit dol.ny.gov/CBOlist for a list of trusted community-based organizations who are available to provide assistance.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting and promoting the EWF.

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NYS DOL