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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.
I am still filing weekly but it feels pointless when nothing is happening. How long can adjudication actually take?
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.
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?
Sean Fitzgerald
I went through this exact situation two years ago after being laid off from a factory job. The 26 weeks (6 months) is correct for New York, but here are a few things that really helped me maximize those benefits: First, start your job search immediately even though you're not required to for the first week - the earlier you start networking and applying, the better your chances of finding something before benefits run out. Second, consider using some of that time to update your skills - there are free online courses through the NY Public Library system and WorkforceNY that can make you more competitive. Third, don't forget to file your weekly certification every Sunday night - I almost missed a week once and it caused a huge headache. Finally, keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one, even if it's more than the minimum required. Having everything documented saved me when they did a random audit. The manufacturing sector has been hit hard, but there are opportunities in logistics, warehousing, and even some green energy projects if you're open to learning new skills. Hang in there!
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Ethan Davis
•This is incredibly thorough advice - thank you so much! I hadn't thought about using library resources for skill updates, that's brilliant. I'm definitely going to look into those WorkforceNY programs you mentioned. The tip about filing weekly certifications on Sunday nights is gold too - I can see how easy it would be to forget and then deal with complications. I really appreciate you sharing your experience with the audit process as well. It sounds like keeping detailed records from the start is way smarter than scrambling later. The green energy angle is interesting - I hadn't considered that sector but it makes sense with all the infrastructure investment happening. Did you end up finding something in a different industry, or did you stick with manufacturing?
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Lucy Taylor
I'm sorry to hear about your layoff after 8 years - that's really tough. The good news is that in New York, you can receive up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) of unemployment benefits. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your earnings during your "base period" which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. Since you worked in manufacturing for 8 years, you should qualify for the full duration. Make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's a one-week waiting period, and you can't receive benefits for weeks before you actually file. Also, start documenting your job search activities right away - you'll need to show you're actively looking for work (minimum 3 job contacts per week after the first week). The NY Department of Labor website has a good benefit calculator where you can estimate your weekly amount. With 6 months of benefits, you'll have time to find a position that matches your skills and experience rather than having to take the first offer that comes along. Good luck!
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