Can I reapply for unemployment after 26 weeks - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question
My regular unemployment benefits ran out last month after hitting the 26-week maximum. I'm still actively looking for work but haven't found anything yet. Can I file a new claim with NYS Department of Labor or do I have to wait a certain period? I've been unemployed since March 2024 and my benefit year just ended. Not sure what my options are at this point - do I need to have worked again to qualify for a new claim?
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Andre Laurent
You can file a new claim, but you'll need to meet the earnings requirements for a new benefit year. NYS Department of Labor requires you to have earned sufficient wages in your new base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters). If you haven't worked since your original claim, you likely won't qualify for a new regular UI claim.
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MidnightRider
•So I basically need to find work first before I can get benefits again? That seems like a catch-22 situation.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
same boat here, benefits ended in december and still no luck finding work. the job market is brutal right now
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Jamal Washington
•Have you tried contacting NYS Department of Labor directly? I had trouble getting through on the phone but there might be other programs available. I heard something about extended benefits but not sure if that's still a thing.
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Mei Wong
You should definitely file a new claim even if you think you might not qualify. Sometimes people are surprised by what wages NYS Department of Labor has on record. The worst they can say is no, and filing doesn't cost anything. You can do it online through the my.ny.gov portal.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•This is good advice! I thought I didn't have enough wages but turned out some freelance work I did counted toward my base period earnings. Worth checking!
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PixelWarrior
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask about your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helpful when you need to discuss complex eligibility questions like this.
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MidnightRider
•Thanks for this! I've been trying to call for weeks but can never get through. Will definitely check this out.
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Amara Adebayo
•Never heard of this but sounds useful. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is impossible to navigate on your own.
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Harper Collins
Just wanted to share another option to consider - check if you're eligible for any workforce development programs through your local One-Stop Career Center while you're between benefit periods. Some programs offer training stipends or other support that might help bridge the gap. You can find your local center through the NYS Department of Labor website. Also, make sure you're still certifying for benefits weekly even if you think you might not qualify - sometimes there are processing delays and you don't want to miss out if you are actually eligible.
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Sofia Torres
•This is really helpful advice about the One-Stop Career Centers! I didn't know about the training stipends. Quick question - do you know if participating in these workforce development programs affects your ability to file a future unemployment claim? Like if I do a training program, will those wages count toward establishing a new benefit year?
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