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Don't overthink it! FUTA is just background stuff that makes the whole unemployment system possible. Keep filing your weeklies and doing your job searches and you'll be fine.
Thanks everyone for clarifying this! I was getting anxious about all these federal acronyms but it sounds like FUTA is just part of the system that makes our benefits possible in the first place. Good to know I can focus on what I'm already doing - my weekly certifications and job search activities. The NYS Department of Labor portal can be overwhelming with all the different terms and requirements, so it's reassuring to hear from others who've navigated this successfully.
Unfortunately the timing issue aside, even if you could file, unemployment requires that you be able and available for work immediately. If you were dealing with health issues that prevented you from working, that could also be a disqualifying factor. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about the able and available requirement. Glad to hear you're feeling better now though!
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, everyone here is correct about the timing issue - 2 years is definitely well beyond the filing window for unemployment benefits in New York. The system is designed for people who file shortly after job separation. However, since you mentioned your health has improved and you're looking to get back into the workforce, I'd suggest reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (part of the American Job Center network). They often have programs specifically for people who've been out of work for extended periods and can help with job training, resume assistance, and connecting you with employers. You might also want to check if you qualify for SNAP benefits or other assistance programs while you're job searching. Don't give up - there are resources available even if unemployment isn't an option at this point.
UPDATE: I got an official letter in my online inbox today confirming I've been enrolled in Extended Benefits! It explained the additional work search requirements (5 activities per week) and confirmed I'm eligible for 13 more weeks. Thanks everyone for your help with this confusing situation!
Congratulations on getting the official confirmation! This whole thread has been super helpful for those of us dealing with the same confusing situation. I'm still waiting for my letter but feeling much more confident about continuing to certify after reading everyone's experiences. The 5 work search activities requirement is definitely something I need to adjust to - I've been doing the minimum 3 for regular UI. Does anyone have tips for good work search activities that count toward the requirement? I want to make sure I'm documenting the right types of activities.
Great question! I've been doing the enhanced work search requirements for a few weeks now and here's what I've found works well: online job applications (with confirmation emails), networking calls/emails to contacts in your field, attending virtual job fairs or career workshops, reaching out to staffing agencies, and LinkedIn networking messages. The key is keeping detailed records - I save screenshots of applications, note contact names and dates for networking activities, and keep confirmation emails. The NY DOL website has a good work search activity log you can use to track everything. Just make sure each activity is legitimate and job-related!
After dealing with this mess for days, I just want to say that you might wanna check out claimyr.com if you're tired of the hold times. I found it on reddit last month when I had a different issue. Talking to an actual human at DOL got my payment processed right away, worth every penny.
Just wanted to give everyone an update - I finally got my payment this morning! It showed up in my bank account around 6am even though the DOL website still shows "processing." So definitely keep checking your actual bank accounts, not just the website. Hopefully everyone else starts seeing theirs come through soon. Thanks to everyone who shared tips and info, this community is seriously a lifesaver when dealing with DOL issues 🙏
StarStrider
This whole system is ridiculous. They fire people for something that's LEGAL and then deny them benefits when they need help the most. Meanwhile corporations get bailouts left and right. Sorry you're dealing with this OP.
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Ravi Gupta
•I feel you on the frustration but employers still have the right to maintain drug-free workplaces, especially in jobs involving heavy machinery or safety concerns.
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Ava Harris
Hey Oliver, I went through something similar about a year ago. Got fired from my retail job for failing a pre-employment drug screen (long story). NYS Department of Labor initially denied my claim, but here's what I learned: document everything about your termination. Get a copy of your employee handbook if you can, save any emails or texts about the drug test, and write down exactly what happened and when. Even if they deny you initially, the appeals process is where you have a real chance to present your case. I ended up getting benefits after my appeal because I could show inconsistencies in how my employer handled the situation. Don't give up before you even try - you might be surprised. Good luck!
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