Can I collect NY unemployment again in 2025? Confused about re-applying

It's not a dumb question at all! Yes, you can collect NY unemployment again in 2025 even if you've collected before. The key factors are: 1. You need to have worked and earned enough wages in your base period since your last claim 2. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own 3. Your previous benefit year must be completed So if you collected last year, worked again, and are now facing a layoff, you would likely qualify for a new claim. You'll need to file a new application through your NY.gov account or by phone. The system will determine if you've earned enough wages in your base period to establish a new claim.

The "base period" is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in April 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. You need to have earned at least $4,500 during your base period (in 2025 dollars) and have worked in at least two calendar quarters. Hope that helps!

ya u can totally apply again i just did it last month after being on unemployment in 2024. just go to ur ny.gov account and hit apply. takes like 20 min

got approved in like 3 days but my situation was simple. just make sure u input all ur work history right

DONT GET TOO EXCITED!!!! They make it sound easy but I just had to FIGHT for months to get approved for my second claim!!! The system is BROKEN and they'll find ANY reason to deny you!!

They said I didn't report income correctly on my last claim (I DID!!!) and tried to hit me with an overpayment. Then they put a hold on my new claim while investigating the old one. NIGHTMARE!!! Been calling for weeks and can't get through to anyone!!!

thanks i might try that... just so ANGRY that we have to pay extra just to use a system our taxes already paid for!!!!!

I think there's some confusion here! While you can apply for unemployment multiple times, there ARE limits. Each time you apply, they look at your earnings during your base period. If your base period doesn't have enough earnings, you won't qualify. Also, while technically you can apply as many times as you need throughout your working life, each benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first apply. You can only establish one benefit year during that time. I've seen folks try to apply again too soon and get denied, so timing matters!

Exactly right! And during that benefit year you'll receive the weekly benefit amount they calculate based on your base period earnings. Even if you find work for a few months and then lose it again within that same benefit year, you'd continue with the same claim rather than starting a new one.

When I applied again this year they made me verify my identity with [ID.me](ID.me) even though I'd already done it for my previous claim. Make sure you have your driver's license and social security card ready when you apply. The system might ask you to verify your identity again even if you've done it before. Also! Make sure you look at all your wages in the wage history they show you. My employer had reported my wages under the wrong quarter and it almost messed up my benefit calculation.

One more important thing: if you're expecting to be laid off, don't apply until after your last day of work. Applying early can create complications. When you do apply, make sure to have the following ready: - Your SSN - NY State driver's license or ID card number - Your complete work history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) - Alien registration card if you're not a US citizen - Form SF8 and SF50 if you were a federal employee - Your DD-214 if you served in the military And remember to claim your weekly benefits every week after you've applied, even if your application is still pending!

Just wanted to add something that might help - if you do get laid off and apply, keep detailed records of everything! Screenshot your application, save confirmation emails, and keep a log of any phone calls or correspondence with the DOL. I learned this the hard way when I had to reapply last year. Having documentation saved me so much time when they asked me to verify information later. Also, if you're in a union, check with your rep - sometimes they have additional resources or can help navigate any issues that come up. Good luck with everything, and I hope the layoffs don't actually happen!