Can I extend NY unemployment after my 26 weeks run out in 2025?

As of 2025, New York State doesn't have any automatic extensions for regular unemployment benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks. However, you do have a few options: 1. If your benefit year hasn't ended (typically one year from when you first filed), and you've earned enough wages during that time from part-time work, you might qualify for additional benefits on your existing claim. 2. Check if you qualify for NY's Shared Work Program if your employer might bring you back part-time. 3. Look into training extension programs - if you enroll in approved job training, you might get up to 26 additional weeks. 4. During times of very high unemployment, the government sometimes activates Extended Benefits (EB), but this program isn't currently active in New York. I'd recommend calling NYSDOL directly to discuss your specific situation. They can tell you exactly what options are available for your claim.

They NEVER tell u the whole truth!!! I hit my 26 weeks last month and spent HOURS trying to get someone on the phone to explain my options. When I finally reached someone they basically said "too bad so sad" and told me to apply for cash assistance. The system is DESIGNED to kick people off after 26 weeks no matter what!! Don't waste your time calling.

I went through this exact same situation last year. Hit my 26 weeks and panicked. The key is getting through to someone who actually knows what they're talking about. I spent days trying to reach an agent on the phone but kept getting disconnected or put on eternal hold. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an unemployment agent in about 15 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with explained that while there's no automatic extension, I qualified for a training extension because I enrolled in a vocational program. Got an extra 13 weeks of benefits while I completed my certification. Not everyone qualifies, but it's worth checking if your situation meets the criteria.

hav u tried looking into 599 training? thats the program my neighbor used to get extra weeks. you need to fill out a form and get the school to sign it i think

In addition to what others have mentioned, I'd strongly recommend applying for the 599 Training Program as soon as possible. I work with career transitions, and here are some key points about 599 that often confuse people: 1. The program must be approved by NYSDOL - not all training programs qualify 2. You need to show the training will lead to employment in an in-demand occupation 3. Your application should be submitted at least 3-4 weeks before your benefits end 4. The extension can provide up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while in training 5. You're excused from the work search requirement while in approved training The other thing to know is that you'll need to submit weekly certifications during the training period, just like with regular benefits. Don't wait until the last minute to apply - the approval process takes time.

im in the EXACT same boat as u, my benefits end next week and im freaking out!!! did anyone have luck with the 599 thing? im thinking of doing a medical billing course but dont know if thatll count or how long the approval takes. also do they pay for the training or just give u benefits while u train?? so confusing

Does anyone know if there's an income limit for the 599 training program? I've been doing some gig work to make ends meet while on unemployment. Not enough to disqualify me from regular benefits, but wondering if it affects training extension eligibility.

To follow up on the documentation question: When you call about the 599 program, have these items ready: 1. Your NY.gov ID and unemployment information 2. Details about the training program (institution name, course information, start/end dates) 3. Information about the occupation you're training for 4. Explanation of how this training will improve your employment prospects After your initial call, you'll need to complete the TA599 application. The school or training provider will need to fill out part of this form as well. Submit everything as early as possible, as retroactive approvals are rarely granted. Also, while the 599 program is the main extension option, don't forget to explore other support programs like SNAP benefits or the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) if you need additional help during this transition period.

my cousins husband just went thru this. he said the trick is applying for the 599 training AT LEAST 3 weeks b4 ur benefits end. if u wait til the last minute they wont approve it in time and ull have a gap with no money coming in. good luck!!

Just wanted to add another option that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're a veteran, you might qualify for additional benefits through the Veterans' Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) or other VA education benefits that can supplement your situation while you're between jobs. Also, while you're exploring the 599 training program, consider reaching out to your local American Job Center (formerly One-Stop Career Centers). They often have counselors who specialize in helping people navigate unemployment extensions and can walk you through the application process for free. Some locations even have computers and staff to help you complete the paperwork on-site. One more tip - if you do get approved for the 599 program, make sure you understand the attendance requirements. You typically need to maintain satisfactory progress in your training program to continue receiving benefits. Missing too many classes can result in your extension being terminated. Good luck with your application tomorrow! The project management certification sounds like a solid choice given the current job market.

I just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. After reading through all these comments, I can confirm that the 599 training program is definitely your best bet, but there are a few things I wish I had known earlier: First, when you call NYSDOL tomorrow, ask specifically about "TAA-approved training programs" in addition to the 599 program. Some training programs qualify for both, and TAA can provide additional support like help with training costs. Second, if you're doing the project management certification, make sure it's through a provider that NYSDOL recognizes. I almost enrolled in an online course that looked great but wasn't on their approved list. Had to switch to a different program at the last minute. Third, keep detailed records of everything - every phone call, every form you submit, every email. I had to resubmit my application because they claimed they never received it the first time, but I had tracking confirmation that saved me weeks of delays. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from application to approval, so you're cutting it close but should be okay if you start immediately. Don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to doesn't seem knowledgeable - I had to call back twice before getting someone who really understood the program. One last thing - while you're in the training program, you'll still need to file weekly certifications, but you don't have to do work searches. That was a huge relief during such a stressful time. Hope this helps and good luck with your certification!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and want to share what worked for me. Everyone's giving great advice about the 599 training program, but I'll add a few practical tips from my experience: 1. When you call NYSDOL tomorrow, try calling right when they open (8am) - you'll have better luck getting through quickly. 2. Have backup training programs ready. My first choice program wasn't approved, but luckily I had researched 2-3 alternatives beforehand. 3. If you're considering project management certification, look into programs at SUNY or CUNY schools first - they tend to have pre-existing relationships with NYSDOL and faster approval processes. 4. Don't panic if there's a slight delay in approval. I had about a 10-day gap between my regular benefits ending and the training extension starting, but they backdated the payments once approved. 5. Start gathering your documentation NOW - program details, enrollment confirmation, career justification letter explaining how this training improves your job prospects in your field. The accounting background + project management certification is actually a really marketable combination right now. Lots of companies need people who understand both the financial side and can manage implementation projects. You've got this! The key is starting the process immediately and being persistent with follow-up calls if needed.

Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation to the original poster - my benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been struggling to find concrete information about extensions. The 599 training program sounds like exactly what I need. I wanted to add that I just called the general NYSDOL number yesterday and got transferred around for over an hour before finally reaching someone knowledgeable about training extensions. The agent mentioned that there's also a specific phone line for the 599 program (518-457-9000, ext. 4500) that might be more direct than going through the main customer service line. Also, for anyone considering online vs. in-person training programs, the agent told me that both can qualify for 599 extensions, but in-person programs at established institutions tend to have smoother approval processes. She specifically mentioned that many of the coding bootcamps and digital marketing courses have been getting approved lately since those are considered high-demand fields. One question for those who've been through this process - did you have to provide proof of job search efforts before applying for the training extension, or can you apply even if you haven't been actively searching recently due to focusing on finding the right training program? Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this thread is a goldmine of practical information that you just can't find on the official websites!

Just want to add my experience for anyone else reading this thread! I went through the 599 training extension process about 4 months ago and it literally saved me. A few additional tips that helped me: 1. When you call that direct 599 line (518-457-9000, ext. 4500), have your Social Security number and claim information ready - they'll ask for it right away. 2. If you're looking at project management programs, consider getting your PMP certification through an approved provider. I did this route and it took about 16 weeks, giving me plenty of time to job search while maintaining benefits. 3. Don't worry too much about having a "perfect" job search record before applying. They're more interested in your training plan and how it relates to your career goals than your recent search activity. 4. The approval letter will come by mail, but you can usually get verbal confirmation over the phone first. This helped ease my anxiety while waiting for the paperwork. 5. During the training period, your weekly certifications are much simpler - basically just confirming you're still enrolled and making satisfactory progress. The whole process was less stressful than I expected once I got the right information. This thread would have saved me weeks of worry if I'd found it earlier! Good luck to everyone applying - you've got great advice here to work with.

I'm in almost the exact same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits run out in about 4 weeks and I've been panicking about what comes next. Reading everyone's experiences with the 599 training program has given me so much hope and practical direction. I'm actually considering a data analytics certification since that seems to be in high demand right now, especially combined with my finance background. Has anyone here gone through the 599 process for data-related training programs? I'm wondering if those tend to get approved easily since there's such a skills shortage in that area. Also wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared phone numbers and timing tips - I'm definitely calling that direct 599 line (518-457-9000, ext. 4500) first thing Monday morning at 8am sharp! Going to have my backup programs researched and all my documentation ready beforehand. It's amazing how much more helpful this community discussion has been compared to trying to navigate the official government websites. Really grateful for everyone taking the time to share their real experiences and advice!

I'm also facing this situation - my 26 weeks are ending in about 2 weeks and I was starting to panic until I found this thread! The 599 training program sounds like exactly what I need. Quick question for those who've been through the process - when you applied for the 599 extension, did you need to show that you'd already been accepted into a training program, or could you apply while still researching/applying to programs? I've identified a few good options but haven't formally enrolled in anything yet since I wanted to make sure I could get the extension approved first. Also, does anyone know if there are any restrictions on doing part-time work while on the training extension? I've been doing some freelance bookkeeping to help make ends meet and want to make sure I can continue that if needed. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information - this thread has been more useful than hours of trying to navigate the NYSDOL website!

I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits are set to expire in about 10 days and I've been scrambling to figure out my options. This thread has been absolutely incredible for getting real, actionable advice that I couldn't find anywhere else! I've been working in financial analysis for the past 5 years before getting laid off, and I'm seriously considering a cybersecurity certification program since that field seems to have so many openings right now. Has anyone successfully gotten the 599 extension approved for cybersecurity training? I'm wondering if that would be considered a high-demand field for approval purposes. I'm planning to call that direct 599 line (518-457-9000, ext. 4500) first thing tomorrow morning at 8am with my documentation ready. Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to have 2-3 backup training options researched just in case my first choice doesn't qualify. One thing I'm still unclear on - do I need to be enrolled and have a start date confirmed before I call, or can I discuss programs I'm still in the application process for? I've submitted applications to a couple programs but haven't heard back with acceptance letters yet. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences here - you've potentially saved me from a financial disaster!

I'm facing the exact same situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My 26 weeks are ending in early April and I've been really stressed about what happens next. After reading everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to apply for the 599 training program. I've been looking into cloud computing certifications since that seems to be such a hot field right now. Does anyone know if AWS or Microsoft Azure certification programs typically get approved for the 599 extension? I have a background in IT support but want to move into cloud architecture roles. Planning to call that direct line (518-457-9000, ext. 4500) tomorrow morning at 8am sharp with all my documentation ready. I'm going to follow everyone's advice about having backup programs researched just in case. One question - for those who got approved, how detailed did your career justification letter need to be? I want to make sure I clearly explain how cloud certifications will help me advance in the tech field, but I'm not sure how much detail they're looking for. Thanks to everyone for sharing such practical, real-world advice. This community discussion has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official government sites!