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After searching through all of this, it seems your options are: 1. Find work (even part-time) to establish new earnings for a potential new claim 2. Apply for other assistance programs (SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid, etc.) 3. Look into training programs through your local career center 4. Contact your assembly member for specialized help Unfortunately, there's no way to extend beyond the 26 weeks without new qualifying wages or a federal extension program. The system really does have a hard cutoff.
I'm in a similar situation - just exhausted my benefits last month and still job hunting. One thing that helped me was registering with temp agencies in my area. Some of them have longer-term assignments that could help you build up enough earnings to qualify for a new claim later. Also, check if your local library has free job search resources and computer access if you need it. The situation really sucks but you're not alone in dealing with this gap in the system.
Don't stress too much about the terminology - the important thing is that your adjudication is done and you should get a clear answer soon. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the determination letter. If you're approved, you'll get backpay for all those weeks.
I went through something similar a few months ago! "Issue closed level 2" generally means your case has been fully adjudicated and reviewed by a supervisor. In my experience, this is actually a positive sign - it means they've made a decision rather than leaving it in limbo. The fact that it went to level 2 review just means they wanted to double-check everything, which is pretty standard for unemployment claims. You should definitely get that determination letter soon, and hopefully it's good news! Keep checking your online account too since sometimes the payment information updates there before the letter arrives.
The system is set up to confuse people and make them give up. I've been fighting with NYS Department of Labor for months over my claim and they just keep giving me the runaround. Good luck getting any straight answers from them.
To give you the basic eligibility requirements: you need to have earned at least $2,600 in one quarter during your base period, OR earned at least $3,900 total in your base period with at least $2,340 in your highest quarter. Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. If you were laid off or lost your job due to lack of work, you should qualify.
This is really helpful! I think I definitely meet those wage requirements. Should I just go ahead and file then?
Yes, absolutely file! You've already waited two months and are missing out on benefits you're entitled to. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving payments. Just make sure you have all your employment information ready - dates of employment, reason for separation, employer contact info, etc. Don't let the system intimidate you into waiting any longer.
just keep filing ur weekly claims and update address thats it... i moved to texas and still get my ny benefits no problem
I went through this exact situation when I moved from NY to North Carolina about 6 months ago! The key thing to remember is that you keep your NYS Department of Labor claim active - don't let it lapse thinking you need to start over in Virginia. Make sure to update your address immediately through the online portal or by calling them. One tip: when you're doing your job searches in Virginia, keep detailed records because the reporting format might be slightly different than what you're used to in NY. Also, don't be surprised if some Virginia employers seem confused about your NY unemployment status - just explain that it's completely normal and legal. You've got this!
Manny Lark
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I understand now that this isn't a separate payment but rather an exemption when I file my taxes. I'll make sure to update my address with NYSDOL so I get my 1099-G and will double-check everything when I file. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain!
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Anastasia Fedorov
Just wanted to add one more helpful tip for everyone - when you do file your taxes, make sure your tax software or preparer is up to date with the unemployment compensation exclusion rules. Some older versions of tax software might not automatically apply the exemption, so you'd want to double-check that it's being calculated correctly. Also, if you use a tax preparer, specifically mention that you received unemployment benefits under the $10,500 threshold so they don't miss applying the exclusion. Better to be safe than sorry!
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