I went through this whole mess last year. Here's what I learned: Sometimes you exhaust regular UI but automatically qualify for other programs based on your situation. The system is terrible at communicating this though. When I finally got through to an agent (took forever), they told me I was eligible for an extension I didn't even know existed. Those 88 days might actually be usable!

This is such a frustrating situation! I went through something similar last year where I had exhausted my regular 26 weeks but kept seeing effective days in my account. Turns out I was eligible for Extended Benefits but the system doesn't automatically enroll you - you have to specifically ask about it when you talk to an agent. The 88 days you're seeing could potentially be real benefits if you qualify for certain programs, but the only way to know for sure is to get through to someone at the unemployment office. I know everyone's mentioning different ways to reach them, but definitely don't stop certifying weekly while you figure this out. The system penalizes you if there are gaps in your certifications even if you weren't sure you'd get paid. Hope you get some answers soon!

Here's what you do: 1) Take a screenshot of your current claim info showing 0 effective days but benefit year still active 2) Keep certifying each week without fail 3) If no payment after 2 weeks, call them I went thru this in January. Everything worked out but I was sweating bullets thinking I'd lose my benefits. The ny unemployment system is so old and glitchy.

I'm in literally the exact same boat right now! Hit 0 effective days last week but my benefit year doesn't end until March 20th. It's so nerve-wracking when you see that zero but still have bills to pay. I've been reading through all these comments and it sounds like the consensus is to keep certifying and give it 2-3 weeks before calling. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - makes me feel less alone in this confusing mess. Going to take screenshots of everything like Samuel suggested and just keep my fingers crossed the system sorts itself out automatically. Has anyone else noticed if there's a particular day of the week payments usually resume when this happens?

If the website isnt working right, try disabling all browser extensions and using incognito mode. The NY unemployment site has the worst security certificates and it conflicts with a lot of privacy tools. Just sharing what worked for me!

I feel your pain @Oliver - been there and it's absolutely maddening. After reading through all these responses, here's what I'd recommend trying in order: 1) Use claimyr.com like several people mentioned - seems to have the highest success rate based on the comments here, 2) Try calling from a different phone number in case yours got flagged as a "repeat caller", 3) Use Microsoft Edge or clear your cache/cookies before trying the website again, 4) Contact your state rep if the above doesn't work. The system is designed to wear you down, but don't let it. You've paid into this system and deserve your benefits. Hang in there! 💪

I remember needing to click some tiny text link at the bottom of a random page that said something like "Begin your unemployment insurance application" - it wasn't even a proper button! Look for small text links not just obvious buttons.

I went through this same nightmare last month! After ID.me verification, it took almost a week for the system to sync properly. The key is to log into labor.ny.gov (not the ID.me site) and look under "Unemployment Services" - but here's the catch: the button might be called something weird like "Apply for Benefits" or "Initial Claim" instead of "File a Claim." Also, try different browsers - their site is glitchy with some of them. If you're still stuck after trying all the suggestions here, honestly just use one of those callback services like Claimyr that people mentioned. I was skeptical at first but talking to an actual person fixed everything in 5 minutes that I couldn't solve in 2 weeks of clicking around their confusing website. Hang in there!

same boat here, got laid off last month and my benefits started pretty quick. just make sure you file your weekly claims on time or you'll lose those weeks forever

Sorry to hear about your layoff! I went through something similar a few months ago. One thing I wish someone had told me - when you file online, make sure to create your NY.gov ID account first before starting the unemployment application. It can save you time and prevent you from losing your progress halfway through. Also, have your social security card, driver's license, and last employer's info handy. The system can be glitchy sometimes, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. You've got this!