Aunt got NY unemployment automatically approved without reapplying - is this legit?

Yes, this is legit and it's part of NY's new Benefits Continuation Program that started in January 2025. If your aunt had an active claim within the last 18 months and meets certain eligibility requirements, the system can automatically establish a new benefit year without requiring a complete reapplication. The NYSDOL sends a text notification when this happens (if she opted in for text notifications). She should log into her NY.gov account to verify the details and check her benefit rate. She'll still need to certify weekly, but the reapplication process is waived. This is to streamline the system for people with fairly consistent work histories.

My sister got the same text last month! At first she ignored it thinking it was a scam but it turned out to be real. She logged into her account and everything was set up already. Saved her a ton of time.

It's probably legit but TELL HER TO BE CAREFUL!! I got a very similar text but it had a weird link - turned out to be a phishing scam. The real NYSDOL texts don't ask you to click on anything suspicious. She should ONLY log in through the official ny.gov website, not through any links in texts or emails. There are tons of unemployment scams going around right now.

Hmm this is interesting but I'm worried what if she accepts it and later they say she wasnt eligible?? I heard horror stories about people getting overpayment notices years later and owing thousands back with penalties. Maybe she should call and double check before certifying anything??

the messages from dol always come from the same number so she can check if its the same one as before. also tell her to check if her portal shows the new claim. it should have dates and benefit amounts n stuff

I don't trust ANY of this automatic stuff. Last year they "automatically" approved me then 3 months later said I wasn't eligible and I had to pay back $3,845!!! I'd tell her to call and get EVERYTHING in writing. The system is designed to trip people up.

Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: The automatic claim renewal is legitimate, but it's not available to everyone. Your aunt should: 1. Log into her NY.gov account directly (not through any links) 2. Check that her claim details are correct 3. Verify her benefit calculation makes sense based on her work history 4. Make sure her personal info is correct 5. Continue with her weekly certifications If anything looks wrong, then I'd recommend contacting NYSDOL. But if everything looks right and matches her work history, she's likely fine. The auto-renewal program was specifically created to reduce paperwork for straightforward claims.

my neighbor got something simillar but it was for extended benefits not a new claim. maybe thats what ur aunt got?

I'm so confused about all this unemployment stuff!! I got approved then denied then approved again and nobody could tell me why?? The whole system is just so complicated and the website never works right on my phone. Hope your aunt has better luck than me!

Update: I talked to my aunt and she logged into her account. Everything looks legit! Her claim information is there with all her correct personal details and work history. The benefit amount matches what she got previously too. Thanks everyone for your help! She's going to start certifying this Sunday and see if the payment comes through normally.