Mission

Mission Statement

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Appeal Board decides issues of unemployment insurance benefit eligibility and unemployment insurance contribution liability. The Board and its administrative law judges who conduct hearings are independent of the Department of Labor in making these decisions. It is the mission of the UI Appeal Board and its administrative law judges to afford all parties a full and fair opportunity to be heard and to render decisions that are based on the record and are legally correct. The entire staff of the UI Appeal Board are dedicated to serving the public.

The Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board was established in 1938. The Board’s structure and authority are described in the New York State Labor Law. The Board is made up of two levels – a hearing level, also known as the Lower Authority, and an appeal level also known as the Higher Authority. At the Lower Authority, administrative law judges hold hearings and make decisions concerning determinations made by the Department of Labor regarding claimant’s eligibility to receive unemployment insurance benefits and the liability of employers for unemployment insurance contributions. At the Higher Authority, one or more of the Board’s five Members make decisions on appeals by claimants, employers, and the Department of Labor from decisions of the administrative law judges at the Lower Authority. The Governor appoints the members of the Board for terms of six years and designates the Board Chairperson from among the members. No more than three members may be from the same political party. 

Executive Offices

Executive offices of the Appeal Board are located in Menands and Brooklyn.

Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board (mailing address)

P.O. Box 15126

Albany, NY 12212-5126

Phone: (518) 402-0210
Fax: (518) 402-0215

Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board (mailing address)

P.O. Box 29002

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone: (518) 402-0210
Fax: (718) 613-3507