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I want to thank everyone for all the helpful advice. I was able to get through to NYSDOL today (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - totally worth it), and they confirmed everything you all said about the 26-week limit. The agent helped me calculate exactly when my benefits will end and gave me resources for what to do afterward. I've also scheduled an appointment with a career counselor at my local center. Still frustrated with how poorly this was communicated, but at least now I can plan accordingly. Thanks again for helping me understand what's going on!
Glad you got the information you needed! The career counselors can be incredibly helpful, especially with tailoring your resume and job search strategies to today's market. Keep us posted on how things go.
This thread has been SO helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my benefits are ending way earlier than I expected. Reading through everyone's experiences really opened my eyes to how the system actually works vs. what I thought it was. Quick question - for those who've been through this, how far in advance did you start applying for other assistance programs? I'm worried there might be gaps between when my UI ends and when other help kicks in. Also, has anyone had success with the job training programs through NYSDOL? I'm wondering if it's worth looking into while I still have a few months of benefits left.
Just wanted to add that you should file even if you think you might not qualify. I thought I wouldn't get benefits because I was only at my job for 6 months, but turns out my previous job counted toward my base period. NYS Department of Labor looks at earnings from the past 5 quarters to determine eligibility.
Really helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation and had no idea about the weekly claim filing requirement. One question - do I need to register with the job search system right away too? I've heard there's some kind of online portal where you have to log your job search activities. Also, is there a waiting period before benefits start, or do they begin immediately after filing? Want to make sure I budget accordingly for the transition period.
i called unemployment 37 TIMES yesterday and couldn't get through. how is anyone supposed to get answers about this stuff??
Try claimyr.com - it's the only thing that worked for me after weeks of trying. Worth every penny to finally talk to someone.
I'm going through the exact same confusion right now! From what I've pieced together from everyone's responses here, it sounds like the last week you can claim benefits for is the week ending December 11th, and you'll certify for that week starting December 12th (which is when the program technically "ends" but you still get to claim for the previous week). I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that several people mentioned - seems like the only reliable way to actually get through to someone at DOL these days. This whole situation is so stressful when you're trying to plan your finances! 😩
bruh their website is straight garbage
try clearing ur cache and cookies
@Jade O'Malley I feel your pain! Been through this exact situation before. The waiting period is brutal but there might be some things you can do in the meantime. Have you looked into local emergency assistance programs? Many counties have rent/utility assistance while you're waiting. Also worth checking if you qualify for SNAP benefits if you haven't already. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local resources. Hang in there - I know it's tough but you'll get through this! 💪
Giovanni Mancini
One thing to keep in mind is that when you do start receiving Social Security, you'll need to report that to NYS Department of Labor since it could affect your unemployment eligibility. Generally you can't collect unemployment if you're retired, but early Social Security might be treated differently. Worth checking with them before you file your social security application.
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Andre Dupont
•Good point! I hadn't thought about that. I guess I'll need to notify NYS Department of Labor when I apply for social security to make sure I'm following all the rules.
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Logan Stewart
@Andre Dupont I went through a similar situation when I was 64! The key thing Giovanni mentioned is really important - you definitely want to check with NYS Department of Labor about continuing unemployment once you start receiving Social Security. In my case, they told me that once I filed for Social Security (even early), I was considered "retired" and no longer eligible for unemployment benefits. It didn't matter that it was early Social Security - they viewed it as retirement income. So you might need to plan for a gap period or choose one or the other, not both simultaneously. Worth double-checking this with them before you make your Social Security application!
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