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Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread in the future: If you exhaust your benefits before your BYE date, you have two main options: 1. If you've worked since filing your original claim and earned enough in at least two quarters (typically 10x your weekly benefit amount), you can file a new claim immediately. 2. If you haven't worked enough, you need to wait until your BYE date to file a new claim, unless there are special extension programs available. Don't risk a gap in payments by waiting until the last minute. Start the process as soon as you see you only have a few weeks of benefits remaining.
Update: I used Claimyr this morning and finally got through! You were right - since I worked for about 3 months and earned enough wages, I qualify to file a new claim now. The agent said they'll process it after my current benefits exhaust next week. Such a relief! Thank you everyone for your help.
Just a quick update on the NY unemployment system in 2025: they've actually improved the online application a lot recently. They now have a specific section for COVID-related claims and backdating requests built right into the regular application process. It asks specifically about illness and other good cause reasons for delayed filing. They've also added a virtual assistant chat function that can answer basic questions while you're filling out the application. It's not perfect, but it's definitely better than a few years ago when the system was constantly crashing. One more tip: if you have any friends or family who can sit with you while you complete the application, that often helps reduce the stress of the process.
btw my brother had to do this and he just went to the library and the librarian helped him fill it all out for free. might be worth checking if ur local library does this
Wait a minute I'm confused now. Is this about NY state tax refunds or federal tax refunds? Because I thought NY was doing their own separate adjustment for unemployment taxes in addition to the federal one? Can someone clarify?
This is referring to the federal tax adjustment for unemployment benefits received in 2021. New York State generally conforms to federal tax treatment of unemployment benefits, but they implement these changes separately. If you're specifically looking for a NY state tax refund, you would need to check your NY state tax account, not the federal IRS transcripts we've been discussing. The NY Department of Taxation and Finance has a separate system for checking refund status.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I finally got my transcript and found the codes - looks like I'm getting a small refund (code 846) scheduled for next week. For anyone else looking, definitely check the Account Transcript and look for those transaction codes 291 and 846. And make sure you're looking at the right system depending on whether you're checking federal or NY state refunds!
I'm so worried this is going to happen to me too...I'm about to reapply next week when my benefit year ends. Reading this is making me panic. What if I can't pay my rent? Did you try going to the actual unemployment office in person? I'm wondering if that might be better than calling?
Most NY unemployment offices don't handle claims in person anymore - they'll just direct you to use the phone system or website. The exception is if you have a scheduled appointment or attend during specific limited hours for claim assistance. Check the NYSDOL website for locations that offer in-person services and what their hours are. Not all locations offer these services, especially since the 2024 restructuring.
Just wanted to share what finally worked for me last month. After trying everything, including that Claimyr service someone mentioned (which did get me through but the agent couldn't help with my specific issue), what ACTUALLY fixed my problem was emailing my state senator's office. They have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues. I emailed on a Monday explaining my situation, got a response Tuesday asking for details, and by Friday I got a call from a supervisor at NYSDOL who fixed everything. My benefits were in my account the following Wednesday including all my back pay. Don't give up!
This is great advice, thank you! I never thought about contacting my state senator. Do you just use the contact form on their website? Did you need to provide specific documentation when you reached out to them?
Yes, I used the contact form on my senator's website. When they responded, they asked for: - My full name and address (to verify I'm in their district) - Last 4 of SSN - NY.gov ID (not password) - Date of initial application - Brief description of the issue They have a signed release form they'll send you that authorizes them to inquire about your case. The whole process was surprisingly efficient compared to dealing with NYSDOL directly!
Taylor Chen
After reading through the thread, I'm almost certain this is a Base Period recalculation. The timing (beginning of Q3) matches exactly. Here's what likely happened: 1. Your original benefit calculation was based on your highest earning quarters in the base period (the year before you applied) 2. Now that we've entered a new quarter (Q3 2025), the system automatically recalculated using the most recent quarters 3. If your earnings were lower in some of these newer quarters, your benefit amount would decrease This is actually standard procedure for NYSDOL but they do a terrible job explaining it to claimants. You can request a review if you believe the calculation is incorrect, but you need to speak with a claims specialist who can access your wage records across all quarters.
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Sarah Ali
•That makes perfect sense. I was earning more in 2024 than I was in early 2025 before I got laid off. So as the calculation window shifts forward, it includes my lower earning periods. I hate that they don't explain this clearly anywhere. Thank you!
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Ana Erdoğan
Update us when you get this resolved! Were you able to reach someone at NYSDOL? The base period recalculation explanation sounds most likely, but it's important to confirm. Sometimes there can be multiple issues affecting your benefit amount simultaneously.
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Sarah Ali
•I finally got through this morning after using that Claimyr service (which worked really well, btw). The rep confirmed it was exactly what you all suggested - a base period recalculation due to the quarter change. Apparently my highest earning quarter from last year dropped out of the calculation window, and was replaced with a lower-earning quarter. The frustrating part is they said a notice WAS sent to my online message center, but it never showed up. The rep said that happens sometimes with automated notices and they're "working on the system issue." At least now I understand what happened. Thanks everyone for your help!
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