Can I reapply for NY unemployment in September if I haven't worked since March 2020?

Unfortunately, you generally can't qualify for a new benefit year without having worked and earned wages during your previous benefit year. NY unemployment insurance requires you to have earned wages in at least two calendar quarters, with a minimum amount of earnings. Since you haven't worked since 2020, you wouldn't have the necessary earnings to establish a new claim.\n\nYour best option is to contact the NYSDOL directly to discuss potential alternatives or other assistance programs you might qualify for. They can advise you based on your specific situation.

That's what I was afraid of... is there ANY exception to this rule? Like what about people who can't work because of health issues? There must be something else I can apply for, right?

my cousin had this same exact problem!! she couldn't work for like 2 years bc she had to take care of her mom and when her benefits ran out they told her no more extensions. she had to apply for some other kind of assistance thru social services i think?? not sure what it was called tho sorry

Thanks for responding. Yeah I'm worried that's where I'm headed too. Did your cousin end up ok? I'm really freaking out about what happens when September hits.

The system is BROKEN!!! I went through this last year after being on UI for almost 3 years. They don't care that there's no jobs in your field or about your health issues. Once your benefit year ends, that's IT unless you've worked. And good luck even getting someone on the phone to explain your options - I called for TWO WEEKS straight and couldn't get through to an actual person, just recordings and disconnects!!! The whole system is designed to cut people off when they need help the most.

This is why I started using Claimyr to get through to unemployment agents! After spending days trying to reach someone, I tried their service and connected with an agent in about 40 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. Their website is claimyr.com - seriously saved my sanity when dealing with benefit year questions. The agent was able to tell me exactly what my options were and what other programs I might qualify for.

You need to look into applying for other safety net programs since unemployment is not going to be an option without new work history. Depending on your specific situation, you might qualify for:\n\n1. SNAP benefits (food stamps)\n2. Medicaid for healthcare\n3. HEAP for energy assistance\n4. Safety Net Assistance in NY\n5. Social Security Disability if your health issues are serious enough\n\nEach has different eligibility requirements, but since you've been without income for so long, you'll likely qualify for some assistance. You should contact your local Department of Social Services office immediately to start these applications, as they can take time to process.

This ⬆️ Apply for everything you can. My brother was in almost the same situation and ended up getting SNAP and Safety Net while he kept looking for work. It's not great money but it helps with the basics until you can find something.

What about ur health issues? If those are preventing u from working maybe u should apply for disability instead? Just a thought. Unemployment is always temporary but if u have legit health problems that's a different system.

My health issues are complicated - some days I'm fine, others I can barely function. Doctor says it's not severe enough for disability, but bad enough to make consistent work really hard. It's this weird in-between situation where I don't qualify for the major programs.

I'd also recommend reaching out to NY's

I'll look into the career centers, thank you. I've been applying for remote work since that would be easier with my health issues, but haven't had any luck yet. Maybe they have better connections.

I was in your exact situation last year. Couldn't get through to anyone at unemployment to discuss my options until I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in less than an hour. The agent explained that I couldn't get more unemployment without new work history, but they helped me understand what other programs I qualified for. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that shows how it works. It was worth it just to get actual answers instead of guessing what to do next.

Thanks for this. I might try it because I've been calling for days and just get disconnected. Did they help you figure out what to apply for after unemployment ran out?

Yes! The agent gave me a complete list of programs to apply for based on my situation and even transferred me to someone who could start one of the applications right over the phone. Saved me so much time and stress.

You should also apply for rent assistance if you're struggling with housing costs! NY has programs specifically for people facing financial hardship. DON'T WAIT until you're about to be evicted - these programs take FOREVER to process applications!!!

I'm actually staying with family right now because I couldn't afford rent anymore, but that's good advice for others in this situation.

One more thing to consider: If your health issues are significant, you might want to speak with your doctor about documenting them properly. This documentation can be helpful for various assistance programs, potential workplace accommodations, or even a disability application if things get worse.\n\nAlso, New York has some programs specifically for people who fall into that gap between being able to work consistently and qualifying for disability. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance might have resources tailored to your situation.

This is really helpful, thank you. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, so I'll definitely ask about getting proper documentation. I've never heard of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance - I'll look them up right away.

whats ur field btw? my company is actually hiring for remote customer service positions rn if that's something u could do with ur health stuff

I was in event management before everything collapsed in 2020. I've never done customer service but at this point I'd be willing to try anything remote. Do you know if they offer training or if they need prior experience?

they train everyone! its entry level so no exp needed. dm me and i can send u the link to apply. pay isnt amazing but its something and totally remote