Can I extend my NY unemployment benefits or do I need to reapply when they run out?

Unfortunately NY unemployment has a 26-week maximum benefit period (standard UI). After that, you're pretty much done unless there's some special extension program running, which there isn't right now. You'd need to have new employment and then lose it again to qualify for a new claim period.

I was in the exact same spot a few months ago! Couldn't get through on the phones for WEEKS. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback with an actual agent in like 30 mins. The agent was able to explain all my options clearly. Best money I've spent to finally get some answers and peace of mind! Check out their video too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

To directly answer ur question: there are no benefit extensions in NY right now. The pandemic extensions all ended back in 2021. Once you hit 26 weeks, that's it until you qualify for a new benefit year with new employment.

Look into other assistance while you job search. Food stamps (SNAP), HEAP for utilities, rental assistance programs. Also check if your county has any emergency assistance funds available. Don't wait until you're completely out of money to apply for these!

there is actually a way to extend in very specific circumstances. if you enroll in an approved training program you might qualify for something called '599 training benefits' that gives you up to 26 MORE weeks. but you gotta be in an approved training/education program and get it authorized by nysdol.

Hey I was in ur exact situation in September! What actually worked: I had to call the unemployment office EVERY DAY for 2 weeks straight. finally got through to an agent who explained I couldn't extend but they helped me understand when I would qualify for a new claim. The number you need is the claims line not the general help line. Call EXACTLY at 8:01 am when they open.

The NY unemployment system is such a joke. They make it impossible to reach anyone, the website looks like it was built in 1998, and nobody can give you a straight answer. I spent 4 months fighting to get payments after my benefitsran out. Ended up having to contact my state assembly person to get any help.

No extensions available currently in NY. With that said, here's my comprehensive advice after dealing with the unemployment system for way too long: 1) Apply for other benefits NOW while you still have some UI income - SNAP, HEAP, etc. The applications take time to process! 2) Double-check your benefit calculation. Many people don't realize they've been underpaid. Check if your benefit rate is correct based on your highest quarter earnings. 3) Make sure you're searching for work in multiple ways - not just online applications. Network, do informational interviews, contact temp agencies. 4) If you absolutely need to speak with a claims specialist to understand your options, use Claimyr.com - it's the only reliable way to get through instead of wasting days on hold. 5) If all else fails, contact your state assembly person or senator. They have special channels to unemployment office management. 6) Look into whether you qualify for the 599 training program if you're interested in retraining for a new career. Good luck! The system is frustrating but there are still some options available.

maybe u cud try partial unemployment? if u can find even part time work u can still collect some benefits while making up to a certain amount. its not a full extension but better than nothing

I went thru this last year. Here's what ended up working for me: 1) applied for partial benefits while working part-time 2) took a training course that qualified for 599 3) claimyr.com to actually TALK to someone when my benefits got messed up. Everything else was just me banging my head against the wall tbh.

just commenting to follow this thread cause i'm in the same boat. benefits ending next month and job market is ROUGH 😩

My cousin works for NY unemployment (dont tell her i told u lol). She says there are NO EXTENSIONS available right now and there's nothing in the works politically to add any. The 26 weeks is it, unless you qualify for 599 training which is very specific.

Why is no one talking about how messed up it is that NY unemployment only lasts 26 weeks when finding a job can take way longer?? Other states have better systems. NY needs to step up.

ive tried every possible way to extend benefits and nothing worked. what DID work was getting thru to an actual person at unemployment who helped me understand my options. spent 3 days calling nonstop with no luck. used claimyr.com and got a callback in like an hour. the lady i talked to was super helpful, explained exactly what I needed to do next.

ATTENTION!!! Before your benefits run out completely make SURE you submit your final weekly claim! I missed my last one thinking it didn't matter and then had a huge headache trying to get that last payment. The system doesn't automatically pay you for that final week.