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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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Hey Oliver, I totally feel for you - that 26-week deadline anxiety is so real and I've been exactly where you are now. I was in the same boat last year and it felt like the world was ending, but I made it through and you will too! Here's what I wish someone had told me when I was panicking: **Immediate steps to take:** • File for SNAP benefits TODAY if you haven't already - the process takes weeks so don't wait • Contact your local 211 helpline for emergency assistance programs in your area • Sign up with temp agencies like Kelly Services and Randstad - they can sometimes place you within days • Check out seasonal hiring at retail stores and shipping companies - perfect timing with holidays approaching **Income bridge options:** • Uber/Lyft/DoorDash for quick cash flow • TaskRabbit or Thumbtack for local odd jobs • Consider remote customer service jobs - companies like LiveWorld often hire quickly • Check hospital systems for food service or housekeeping roles - they usually need people fast **Don't forget:** • Keep certifying weekly even after benefits end - stays active for potential future programs • Update your LinkedIn and post that you're job searching - networking really works • Apply directly on company websites, not just job boards The mental health piece is huge - this situation is incredibly stressful but it IS temporary. I ended up finding something even better than my original job, though the journey was scary. You're being smart by asking for help early. That proactive mindset will serve you well. Keep your head up and don't be afraid to lean on resources and people during this tough time. You've got this! 💪
Sophie, this is such comprehensive and reassuring advice! I really appreciate you sharing your experience and breaking everything down into actionable steps. The reminder to file for SNAP TODAY is exactly the kind of urgency check I needed - I've been putting it off but you're absolutely right that I shouldn't wait any longer. The temp agency strategy sounds promising, especially knowing they can place people within days. I'm also encouraged by your point about seasonal hiring timing - I hadn't really connected the dots about how this could actually be good timing with the holidays coming up. Your success story about ending up in an even better position really gives me hope that this scary transition period might actually lead to something positive. Thanks for acknowledging how stressful this is while also providing such practical guidance - it's exactly what I needed to hear today! 🙏
Hey Oliver, I completely understand the stress you're feeling right now - I was in almost the exact same situation about 7 months ago when my benefits were about to run out. The anxiety is overwhelming, but you're definitely not alone in this. While NY unfortunately doesn't have automatic extensions beyond 26 weeks anymore, there are still some options to help you bridge this gap: **For immediate assistance:** • Apply for SNAP benefits right away if you haven't already - it takes a few weeks to process so don't delay • Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency assistance programs that aren't widely known • Call 211 for a comprehensive list of local resources including food banks and utility assistance **Quick income opportunities:** • Temp agencies like Express Employment Professionals and Aerotek often have same-week placements • Seasonal work is ramping up now - Target, Amazon warehouses, and UPS are all hiring for the holidays • Try gig work like Instacart, Uber Eats, or TaskRabbit while you continue your job search • Check local hospitals for support roles (food service, housekeeping) - they often hire quickly **Job search tips that worked for me:** • Set up job alerts on multiple platforms including ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor • Reach out to former colleagues on LinkedIn - that's actually how I landed my current job • Call companies directly instead of just applying online - it shows initiative The hardest part is the uncertainty and mental stress. Try to set small daily goals to stay focused and remember that this is temporary. I actually ended up in a better position than before, even though the transition was terrifying. Keep your head up and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You're being proactive which shows you have what it takes to get through this! 💪
This is incredibly helpful advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and break down all these specific resources. The Community Action Agency suggestion is something I hadn't heard of before - definitely going to look into that. It's encouraging to hear that temp agencies can place people so quickly, and the timing with seasonal hiring starting up gives me hope that there might actually be opportunities out there right now. Your point about calling companies directly is a good reminder - I've been so focused on online applications that I forgot how much more impact a personal call can have. Most importantly, thank you for sharing that you ended up in a better position after going through this scary transition. When you're in the middle of it, it's hard to imagine anything good coming from this situation, but hearing success stories like yours really helps keep me motivated. I'm definitely going to start setting those small daily goals you mentioned - that sounds like a great way to stay focused instead of getting overwhelmed by everything at once. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙏
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Don't feel embarrassed at all! This is exactly the kind of stuff this community is for. I've been on unemployment for a few months now and I'm still learning new things from posts like this. The KeyBank info was really helpful - I had no idea they handled the cards instead of NYS DOL directly. Definitely bookmarking that direct deposit option too in case I run into issues with my card.
Exactly! I wish someone had told me about the KeyBank thing when I first started getting benefits. I spent so much time trying to navigate the NYS DOL website looking for card replacement info when it wasn't even their department. This community has been a lifesaver for figuring out all these little details that aren't explained clearly anywhere else.
Just wanted to add that if you're in a real emergency situation and need cash before the replacement card arrives, some KeyBank branches will let you do an over-the-counter withdrawal with proper ID. I had to do this once when my card got damaged and couldn't wait for a replacement. You'll need your social security number, ID, and they might ask for the phone number on your unemployment account. Not all branches do this but it's worth calling ahead to ask if you're really stuck.
This is such good info to know! I had no idea you could do over-the-counter withdrawals at KeyBank branches. That would have saved me so much stress when I was waiting for my replacement card. Do you remember if there were any fees for doing the withdrawal that way? I'm always worried about extra charges eating into my benefits.
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Hey Caden, I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! I was laid off in March but didn't file until August because I kept thinking I'd find something. The good news is you can absolutely still file - there's no deadline for when you have to initially apply. The bad news is what others mentioned about the base period - your benefits will be calculated on wages from about a year ago, not your recent restaurant job. In my case, I was working part-time a year prior so my weekly benefit was only $180 instead of what it would have been if I filed right after my layoff. But something is better than nothing! Just make sure you have all your employment history ready - they'll want info on every job you had in the past 18 months including exact dates, employer info, and reason for separation. Don't wait any longer though - file this week!
@Justin Trejo - This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It s'reassuring to know someone else went through the same thing. I m'definitely going to file this week - you re'right that something is better than nothing. I ve'been kicking myself for waiting but I guess there s'no point dwelling on it now. Did you end up finding work while on benefits or did you use up the full benefit period?
@Justin Trejo Really appreciate you sharing your experience! I m'the original poster and this gives me hope. Did you run into any issues with them questioning why you waited so long to file? I keep worrying they ll'think I wasn t'really unemployed this whole time or something. Also, when you say they want info on every job in the past 18 months - does that include like really short term gigs or just real "jobs?" I did some door dash and odd jobs here and there but nothing official.
Don't stress too much about waiting - you're not the first person to be in this situation! The key thing is to file NOW before you lose any more potential benefit weeks. When I filed my claim (similar situation, waited about 5 months), the online application was actually pretty straightforward. Just be honest about your employment dates and separation reasons. For the gig work question - yes, report everything including DoorDash and odd jobs if you made any money from them, even if they were cash payments. NYS wants a complete picture of your work history. The system is designed to help people who genuinely need it, so don't overthink it. Get your Social Security card, ID, and employment records together and start the application this weekend. You've got this!
@Nia Wilson This is really encouraging, thank you! I ve'been so anxious about this whole process but everyone s'advice is making me feel more confident about filing. Quick question - when you mention getting employment records together, do I need actual paystubs or W-2s, or will just having the employer names and dates be enough for the initial application? I m'worried some of my records might be hard to track down since it s'been 6 months.
@Nia Wilson For the initial application, you usually just need the basic info like employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and your Social Security number. They don t'typically require you to upload paystubs or W-2s during the application process itself - that stuff might come later if they need to verify your earnings. The most important thing is to be as accurate as possible with the dates and employer information. If you can t'remember exact start/end dates, your best estimate is fine, but try to be close. You can always call them later to clarify details if needed. The main thing is just getting that application submitted!
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Just wanted to chime in with my experience - I've filed for unemployment three different times over the past five years with NYS Department of Labor and never had any issues with limits or waiting periods. The key thing is making sure you meet the work requirements each time. I'd recommend filing your new claim online as soon as possible since there can be a waiting week before benefits start, and the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also, keep good records of your work history and pay stubs - it makes the application process much smoother when you have all the documentation ready.
This is really helpful to hear from someone with multiple filing experiences! I'm definitely going to file online right away - I didn't realize there was a waiting week before benefits start. Quick question though - when you say "keep good records," do you mean just recent pay stubs or should I have documentation going back further? I'm trying to gather everything I need before I start the application.
For documentation, I'd recommend having at least the past 18 months of pay stubs and employment records ready, since NYS uses your base period earnings to calculate benefits. The system will typically look at the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters, so having that broader timeframe covered ensures you won't be scrambling for documents if they need to verify your work history. Also keep any separation notices or termination letters - they help speed up the process when they're reviewing your eligibility.
I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, the NYS system will automatically determine which base period gives you the highest benefit amount - either the standard base period or an alternate base period that includes more recent earnings. This can be really beneficial if you worked consistently during those 8 months between claims. Also, don't forget that you can usually start certifying for benefits the week after you file your initial claim, even if there's a waiting week. The online system at labor.ny.gov makes it pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application.
Thanks for mentioning the automatic base period calculation! That's really reassuring to know that the system will pick whichever option gives me the better benefit amount. I was worried I might accidentally choose the wrong time period and end up with lower benefits. The labor.ny.gov portal does seem pretty user-friendly from what I've seen so far. One quick follow-up - do you know if there's any advantage to filing earlier in the week versus later, or does the timing within the week not matter as long as you file promptly after becoming unemployed?
Miles Hammonds
I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I'm terrified. Reading through these comments is both helpful and scary. It sounds like the key is to start applying for other assistance NOW rather than waiting. I had no idea there was no automatic extension - I was definitely counting on that. Has anyone had success with the workforce development programs that @Dmitry mentioned? I'm willing to do training if it means getting some kind of income support while I'm in the program. Also going to look into that Claimyr service since calling NYS Department of Labor has been impossible for me too.
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Zara Ahmed
•@Miles, I just went through the workforce development program application process last month! The good news is that some programs do offer income support - I found one through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) that provides a training allowance while you're learning new skills. You have to go through an assessment at your local Career Center to see what you qualify for, but it's definitely worth it. The application process took about 2 weeks for me, so start now! Also, I second starting the SNAP application immediately - mine took almost a month to get approved and I wish I'd started sooner. The uncertainty is terrifying but there are more options than I initially thought, you just have to dig for them.
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Ravi Sharma
I'm going through this exact same situation right now - my benefits end in 10 days and I've been having panic attacks about it. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, it's really helping me understand what I need to do. I had no idea there were no automatic extensions anymore. I'm going to start my SNAP application tomorrow and call 2-1-1 to see what other assistance programs are available in my area. The idea about going to the Career Center in person sounds really smart - I've been banging my head against their website for weeks with no luck. Does anyone know if the WIOA training programs have income requirements to qualify? I'm worried I might make too much from my remaining UI benefits to be eligible. This whole system feels designed to make you fail, but at least this community is helping me figure out my next steps before I hit zero.
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