Can I extend my unemployment benefits in NY - already used up 26 weeks
Hi everyone, I've been on regular unemployment for about 6 months now and I think I'm getting close to using up all my weeks. I've been looking for work but the job market in my field is still pretty rough. Can I extend my unemployment benefits somehow? I heard there might be extensions available but I'm not sure how to apply or if I even qualify. My claim is through NYS Department of Labor and I've been filing my weekly claims on time. Any advice would be really appreciated!
13 comments
Join the conversation
Josef Tearle
Unfortunately, NY doesn't currently have any extended benefits programs active. Regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. Extensions like Extended Benefits (EB) or Emergency Unemployment Compensation only kick in during periods of high unemployment, and we're not in one of those periods right now. You should check your claim balance on the NYS Department of Labor website to see exactly how many weeks you have left.
0 coins
Charity Cohan
•That's what I was afraid of. I checked my account and I have about 3 weeks left. Is there anything else I can apply for after regular UI runs out?
0 coins
Shelby Bauman
You might want to look into other programs once your UI exhausts. SNAP benefits can help with food costs, and there are job training programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that might provide some support while you get additional skills. Contact your local One-Stop Career Center - they can help you navigate what's available in your area.
0 coins
Quinn Herbert
•This is good advice. I went through a similar situation last year and the career center helped me find a training program that actually led to my current job.
0 coins
Salim Nasir
wait i thought there were still extensions available?? i've been out of work for 4 months and really hoping i can get more weeks when mine run out next month
0 coins
Josef Tearle
•No, the pandemic-era extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks unless the state unemployment rate triggers Extended Benefits, which it hasn't.
0 coins
Hazel Garcia
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get definitive answers about your remaining weeks or other options, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to a real person can help clarify what benefits you might still be eligible for.
0 coins
Charity Cohan
•Thanks, I'll check that out. I've tried calling the regular number so many times and just get busy signals or disconnected.
0 coins
Laila Fury
Make sure you're keeping up with your job search requirements even as your benefits run out. Sometimes people slack off toward the end and that can cause issues if any extensions do become available later.
0 coins
Geoff Richards
This whole system is so frustrating!! Why can't they just automatically extend benefits when people are clearly still looking for work?? The 26 weeks goes by so fast especially in tough job markets.
0 coins
Quinn Herbert
•I feel your frustration but the extensions are tied to specific economic triggers. It's designed to activate when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds.
0 coins
Ryan Kim
I'm in a similar boat - just started my unemployment claim a few months ago and already worried about what happens when I hit that 26-week limit. Has anyone had luck with temporary or gig work while collecting UI? I know you have to report earnings but wondering if it's worth trying to supplement income now rather than waiting until benefits run out completely. Also curious if doing some freelance work might actually help with networking and finding a full-time position.
0 coins
Natasha Romanova
•Yes, you can definitely do temporary or gig work while collecting UI! You just need to report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. In NY, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit rate without any reduction in benefits, and earnings above that get deducted dollar-for-dollar. I'd actually recommend starting to supplement now rather than waiting - it keeps you active in the job market and helps with networking like you mentioned. Plus, having some income coming in makes the transition easier if your benefits do run out. Just make sure to keep detailed records of all work and earnings for your weekly certifications.
0 coins