ugh the whole system is so confusing for small businesses. why can't they just make it simple instead of all these different thresholds and quarterly deadlines

One thing to keep in mind is that the 4.1% rate Arnav mentioned applies to the unemployment insurance tax, but there's also a separate reemployment services fund tax that's usually around 0.075%. Small additional cost but worth budgeting for. Also, if you have any employees who work part-time or seasonal, make sure you understand how their hours count toward the 20-week threshold - it can be tricky to calculate correctly.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the uncertainty when benefits are about to end is absolutely terrifying! I went through the same thing last summer and the stress was unreal. Unfortunately, everyone here is right that the 13-week PEUC extension ended permanently in September 2021. The NY DOL website is criminally outdated and still references programs that don't exist anymore - it's honestly cruel to leave that misleading info up there. A few suggestions based on my experience: 1. **Definitely** look into that 599 training program people mentioned. I wish I had known about it when I was in your shoes. If you can get approved for certain training/education, you might be able to extend benefits while learning new skills. 2. Since you had that part-time job for 6 weeks, call and ask specifically if you earned enough to file a new claim. Even if it's a long shot, it's worth checking. 3. Start your SNAP application TODAY if you haven't already. Don't wait until your last unemployment payment - the process can take a few weeks and you want it in place before you're completely without income. 4. Contact 211 for local resources. Some areas have emergency assistance specifically for when unemployment runs out. The job market is absolutely brutal right now despite the "low unemployment" headlines. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this struggle. Keep us posted on how things go! 💙

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress when benefits are ending is absolutely awful! I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago and can totally relate to the panic and confusion. Unfortunately, what everyone here is saying is correct - the 13-week PEUC extension ended permanently in September 2021 along with all the other federal pandemic programs. NY is back to just the standard 26 weeks, and the fact that their website STILL mentions those old programs is honestly infuriating and misleading. However, there are still a few options worth exploring: 1. **599 Training Program** - This is huge! If you can get approved for certain vocational training or education programs, you can potentially get extended benefits while you're in school learning new skills. Definitely worth looking into ASAP. 2. **New Claim Possibility** - Since you mentioned working part-time for 6 weeks last summer, you should definitely call and ask if you earned enough (typically 10x your weekly benefit amount across multiple weeks) to qualify for a new claim when your current one expires. 3. **Other Assistance Programs** - Start applying for SNAP benefits NOW, not after your UI ends. Also look into HEAP for utility assistance and call 211 for local emergency programs. The job market really is brutal despite what the headlines say. I applied to over 300 jobs and got maybe 8 interviews before finally landing something. You're definitely not alone in this struggle - hang in there! 💪

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, I was wondering the same thing but felt dumb for not knowing where to look!

I actually found a workaround for this! If you go to the "Payment History" section on my.ny.gov, it shows all your weekly payments. You can add those up and subtract from your total benefit amount in the monetary determination letter. I made a simple spreadsheet to track it since the state system doesn't do it for you. Also, your benefit year is usually 52 weeks from when you filed, and the maximum is typically 26 weeks of benefits (though this can vary). Hope this helps!

For anyone still struggling with ID.me - I went through this nightmare last month and here's what finally worked: First, make sure you're using a desktop/laptop with Chrome browser (mobile cameras often cause issues). Second, the lighting is CRUCIAL - I had to try like 6 different spots in my house before finding one with even, natural light. Third, clear your browser cache completely before starting. And most importantly - if your ID has any wear, scratches, or the photo is faded, it will likely fail. I had to get a replacement license even though mine wasn't technically expired because the photo was too worn. The whole process is frustrating but once you get the right setup it usually works on the first try.

Just wanted to add another tip that helped me with ID.me verification - if you wear glasses in your driver's license photo, make sure you're wearing the SAME glasses (or very similar ones) when taking the selfie. I kept failing because my license photo had my old black frames but I was wearing different glasses for the selfie. ID.me's facial recognition is really picky about matching the photo exactly. Also, don't smile too much in the selfie if you weren't smiling in your license photo. These little details make a huge difference!

I went through this exact situation a few months ago and was worried about the same thing! What really helped ease my mind was learning that the employer notification is handled through their payroll/HR department, not individual managers. So even if you do apply back there later, the person interviewing you probably won't have any knowledge of your unemployment claim unless they specifically went digging through HR records (which would be pretty unusual). The whole process is way more private than I initially thought. Just make sure you're honest about your reason for leaving when you file - that's the one thing they can see and respond to if it doesn't match their records.

I was in a similar boat after getting laid off from a mid-size company last year. What really helped me was understanding that most employers get so many of these notifications (especially during layoff periods) that it's just routine paperwork for them. The HR person who handles unemployment claims probably processes dozens of these and it's completely separate from hiring decisions. I actually did end up reapplying to my former company about 8 months later and got the job - the hiring manager had no idea I'd filed unemployment and it never came up. The key thing is that unemployment is literally designed for situations like layoffs, so there's no stigma from the employer's perspective. It's just part of doing business. Don't let worry about this stop you from filing if you're eligible - you paid into the system and deserve the benefits.