Can I reapply for unemployment after it runs out - NYS Department of Labor options?

Unfortunately, you can't just reapply immediately after your regular UI benefits run out. In New York, you need to have worked and earned sufficient wages in a new base period to qualify for a new claim. The good news is if you had any part-time or temporary work during your benefit year, those wages might count toward a new claim depending on when you worked.

same boat here, benefits ended in december and now im scrambling to figure out next steps... this whole system is confusing

You might want to check if you qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) first before trying to file a new claim. EB kicks in when unemployment rates are high enough in New York. If that's not available, you'd need to look at filing a new regular claim, but only if you have qualifying wages from work performed after your original claim started. The NYS Department of Labor website has a benefit calculator that can help you figure out if you have enough wages.

The system is designed to make you give up! They don't want to pay out benefits so they make it as complicated as possible. Even if you do qualify for a new claim the waiting periods and adjudication can take MONTHS.

You might also want to look into other assistance programs while you're figuring out the unemployment situation - SNAP, utility assistance, etc. Just as a backup plan.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. After my regular benefits ended, I had to wait and file a new claim because I had some freelance work during my benefit year. The key thing is that any wages you earned after your benefit year started (when you first filed) can potentially count toward a new claim. For the part-time work you mentioned in November, you'd need to check if that falls within the new base period they'd use to calculate a fresh claim. The NYS DOL customer service line can help determine this, though as others mentioned, getting through can be challenging. In the meantime, definitely document everything and keep applying for jobs - you'll need to show you're actively seeking work regardless of which benefit program you might qualify for.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if you're eligible for any job training programs through NYS Department of Labor while you're between benefit periods. They have WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) programs that can provide income support while you're in approved training, and sometimes this can be a bridge while you're waiting to see if you qualify for a new unemployment claim. I know someone who did a certified nursing assistant program through this and received support payments during training. It's worth looking into especially if you're considering switching career paths anyway.

Also worth mentioning that while you're navigating this situation, make sure you're still certifying for benefits if your online account allows it, even after your balance hits zero. Sometimes there can be delays in the system updating, and you don't want to miss out on any potential payments if Extended Benefits become available or if there are any adjustments to your claim. I learned this the hard way when I stopped certifying thinking I was done, then found out later I had missed a few weeks of potential benefits when EB kicked in. The NYS DOL representatives told me it's better to keep certifying until you get a definitive message that your claim is completely closed and no extensions are available.