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I'm in almost the exact same situation! My benefit year started in February 2024 and I'm down to my last 2 weeks of benefits. The stress is real - I've been applying everywhere but nothing's panning out. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like our only shot is if we worked enough since filing to qualify for a new claim. I did some part-time work over the summer but probably not enough quarters to meet the earnings requirement. Has anyone actually calculated what you need to earn to qualify for a new claim? I'm trying to figure out if it's even worth applying or if I should just prepare for benefits to end.
I'm in a similar boat - it's scary when you can see the end coming! From what I understand, you generally need to have earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount during your base period to qualify for a new claim. So if you were getting $300/week, you'd need $3,000 in covered earnings. But the base period calculation is tricky - it's usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. I'd suggest calling or using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get a real answer about whether your summer work would count. At least then you'd know for sure instead of wondering!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but NY really doesn't have any additional benefits available right now beyond the standard 26 weeks. The federal extensions that were available during the pandemic (like PEUC and Extended Benefits) have all expired. Your best bet is to check if you qualify for a new claim based on any work you've done since filing your current claim. You can use the benefit calculator on the NY DOL website to estimate if you have enough earnings. Also, make sure you're documenting all your job search activities - if you do run out of benefits, having that record could be helpful if any new programs become available. It's a tough situation and I feel for everyone going through this.
This is really helpful information, thank you! I didn't realize there was a benefit calculator on the NY DOL website - I'm going to check that out right now. I've been keeping detailed records of all my job applications thankfully, so at least I have that covered. It's just so disheartening to know there aren't any safety nets like there were during the pandemic. I guess I need to start preparing for the reality that benefits might just end and figure out other options. Has anyone had luck with local assistance programs or food banks to help bridge the gap if unemployment runs out?
Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact situation last year. My BYE date was in February 2024 and I had about 40 days left - lost them all when the date hit. The good news is that if your friend files her new claim right away on March 15th, the process usually goes smoother since she's already in the system. I got my new claim approved in about 2 weeks. One tip that helped me: I called the DOL customer service line about a week before my BYE date to confirm exactly what I needed to do. They were actually helpful and walked me through the process. Also, make sure she keeps certifying every week even during the waiting period for the new claim - that's crucial!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing. Two weeks for approval doesn't sound too bad, and the tip about calling ahead is brilliant - I'll definitely tell her to do that. Just to confirm, when you say "keep certifying every week during the waiting period" - does that mean she continues certifying on her old claim while waiting for the new one to be approved, or does she start certifying on the new claim right away?
Great question! You start certifying on the NEW claim right away after filing it on March 15th. The old claim will be closed once the BYE date passes, so she won't be able to certify on that one anymore. When she files the new claim, the system will generate a new certification schedule for her - usually starting the week after she files. She needs to keep doing those weekly certifications even though she won't receive payments until the new claim is fully processed and approved. Missing those certifications during the waiting period can cause delays or issues later on.
I went through something similar with my NY unemployment claim last year. Your friend definitely needs to file a new claim immediately after her BYE date on March 15th - those remaining effective days will unfortunately disappear. I made the mistake of waiting a few days thinking it would automatically continue, and it caused a bunch of headaches. One thing I wish someone had told me: even though she hasn't worked since her original claim, she should still file the new claim anyway. NY DOL will review her situation and may offer alternative options or extensions. Don't assume she won't qualify - let them make that determination. Also, I'd suggest she start gathering any paperwork now (like her original claim documents, ID, etc.) so she's ready to file first thing on March 15th. The sooner she files, the sooner she can start the approval process. Good luck to your friend!
Just keep filing your weekly claims religiously, even if nothing is happening with your main claim. I learned that the hard way - missed a week and had to do all this paperwork to get it back. Also make sure you're doing your job searches because they'll ask about that later.
I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim about 10 days ago and still haven't heard anything back. The online portal just says "pending" with no timeline. What's frustrating is that there's no way to know if you're in the normal 2-3 week processing window or if something is wrong with your application. I've been calling the helpline but can never get through. Has anyone found a way to actually speak to someone at the NYS Department of Labor?
Been through this exact same thing! I was so paranoid when I started my new job and saw the unemployment office contacted my employer. Turns out it's literally just a routine verification form - they're closing the loop on your claim to make sure you're not still collecting while working. My boss didn't even mention it to me, HR just handled it like any other paperwork. You're overthinking it (I did too!) but there's really nothing to stress about here.
I went through this same anxiety when I started my new position last year. The unemployment office sent a standard "Request for Separation Information" form to my employer, but it's literally just asking for basic employment verification - start date, wage, etc. My HR department told me they get these all the time and it's completely routine. They're not sharing details about your unemployment claim or making any judgments. It's just the state closing out your file to prevent overpayments. Your new employer won't think twice about it, trust me!
@Ethan Wilson thanks for breaking that down! The Request "for Separation Information part" is super helpful to know - makes it sound way less scary when you put it like that. I was imagining them having some big conversation about my whole unemployment situation but sounds like it s'just basic paperwork. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, makes me feel so much better about the whole thing!
Ravi Sharma
I understand the frustration, but remember that unemployment benefits exist because losing a job can be financially devastating. Even with the system's flaws, it's still better than having no safety net at all. Keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication - if your claim gets approved, you'll receive back payments for all the weeks you were eligible.
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Isabella Santos
•I am still filing weekly but it feels pointless when nothing is happening. How long can adjudication actually take?
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Ravi Sharma
•Legally there's no set time limit, but most adjudications resolve within 8-12 weeks. Complex cases can take longer. The key is making sure you've provided all requested documentation and continue following the process.
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Logan Stewart
I'm going through something similar right now - filed in December and still waiting for my adjudication to complete. What's helped me stay sane is reaching out to my local assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can sometimes help escalate cases with state agencies. Also, have you tried the NYS Department of Labor's live chat feature on their website? I had better luck there than with the phone lines, though you still have to wait. Don't give up - I know people who waited 10+ weeks but eventually got all their back pay once it was resolved.
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