Unemployment Insurance Benefits
VLP’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits program serves individuals throughout Western New York in obtaining or maintaining their entitlement to receive unemployment insurance benefits (UIB). The program is primarily funded by a grant from the Office of Court Administration.
Each year, the UIB program provides assistance to hundreds of people with unemployment matters. Available assistance includes helping clients during the application process for benefits, as well as direct advocacy with the New York State Department of Labor.
Representation during these preliminary steps is offered in an attempt for clients to be found eligible for benefits without the need for a hearing. Since such early representation is not always possible, the main focus of the program is to provide legal representation to individuals at unemployment hearings. The program also handles select unemployment appeals.
Potential clients should telephone our office to set up an appointment. Initial review of your case will occur over the telephone, and will include financial eligibility screening (VLP assists low-income clients). Please call (716) 847-0662 ext. 324 and leave your name, number and a brief message containing your legal concern.
