Can I receive NY unemployment again after benefits stopped? Still jobless despite interviews

Your benefits might have stopped for a few different reasons: 1) You reached the end of your benefit year (which is 52 weeks from when you first filed) 2) You used all 26 weeks of regular UI benefits 3) There might be an eligibility issue flagged on your account If it's been a full year since your original claim, you can file a new claim. If you haven't used all 26 weeks but your benefits stopped, you should call NYSDOL to find out why. To restart benefits or file a new claim, log into your NY.gov account, go to 'Unemployment Services' and look for 'File a new claim or reopen a claim.' The system will guide you through the appropriate steps based on your situation.

sounds like u got a hold placed on ur account. happened to me 2. they usually send a letter explaining why but sometimes they dont. keep calling & check ur mail/email every day

I had the EXACT same problem in January!! My benefits just STOPPED with no explanation and the website was USELESS!!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get anyone on the phone with no luck. The system is BROKEN and they don't care about regular people struggling to pay bills!!! I eventually got through by calling RIGHT when they opened at 8am but even then I was on hold for 1.5 hours. When I finally talked to someone they said there was a "system flag" on my account because I didn't report a job interview correctly or something stupid. They fixed it but I had to wait another week for payment.

This is likely an administrative issue rather than a complete exhaustion of benefits. If you've only received 12 weeks of benefits and your benefit year hasn't expired, you should still be eligible for the remaining weeks (up to 26 total). Based on what you're describing, there are a few possibilities: 1. A quarterly review triggered a temporary hold on your account 2. There may be an issue with one of your weekly certifications 3. The system might need verification of your continued job search The NYSDOL phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate. If you've been unable to reach someone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to an unemployment agent faster. I used them when my claim had a similar issue and got through within an hour instead of days of trying. They have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once you reach an agent, ask specifically about why your benefits show as exhausted when you've only received 12 weeks, and what steps you need to take to restart your payments.

my cousin had same thing happen & it was cuz they needed more job search proof. he had to upload his work search records for the past 6 weeks before they turned benefits back on. check if theres any messages or tasks in ur online account u missed maybe?

I worked at the unemployment office until 2023, and this sounds like what we called a "break in claim" situation. Basically, the system requires continuous weekly certification, and if you miss even one week, it can trigger an automatic stoppage that shows as "benefits exhausted" even when you have weeks remaining. Did you certify EVERY single week without missing any? Even one missed certification can cause this issue. Also, if you reported any income or job interviews incorrectly, that can trigger a review. To fix this: 1. First try using the online system to reopen your claim - it's sometimes hidden under "File a new claim" but the system should recognize you have an existing claim that needs reopening 2. If that doesn't work, you absolutely need to speak with an agent Since you've already tried calling multiple times, you may want to try calling right at 8:00 am on Monday (their busiest day, but also when they have the most staff). Select the option for "existing claim issues" not "new claim."

Yes, if your claim is still valid, they can potentially release payments retroactively for weeks you were eligible but didn't receive payment. You'll need to complete retroactive certifications for those weeks, confirming you were unemployed and looking for work during that time. Whether you get all weeks depends on: 1. If there was a legitimate reason for the stoppage that needs to be corrected 2. Whether you have proper documentation of your job search for those weeks 3. If your benefit year is still active When you speak with an agent, specifically ask about "retroactive certification for missed weeks." They'll walk you through the process. Make sure you have your work search records ready - dates of applications, company names, positions, and any interview information.

I had this EXACT issue in January!!!! I spent HOURS AND HOURS calling trying to get through to someone! It was a NIGHTMARE!! I was literally about to be evicted when I finally got help. I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked?? I was skeptical but desperate. Got through to an agent in like 45 minutes when I had been trying for DAYS on my own. The agent told me there was a flag on my account because I had reported I was "too sick to work" for one day during a weekly certification, and that automatically paused everything until they could review it. So ridiculous!!! But they fixed it and I got all my backpay at once. Don't give up!!! The system is designed to be confusing and frustrating but keep pushing!!

To answer your original question directly: Yes, you can potentially receive unemployment again, but there are specific rules about how this works. First, if you're within the same benefit year (52 weeks from initial filing) and haven't used all 26 weeks of benefits, you don't need to apply again - you need to get your current claim fixed/restarted. If your benefit year has ended, you would need to file a new claim, but you must have worked and earned sufficient wages since your last claim began. New York typically requires you to have worked and earned at least 10× your weekly benefit rate in covered employment since filing your previous claim. Based on your timeline (started December 2024, benefits stopped February 2025), you're definitely still in your benefit year and likely have remaining benefits. This is an administrative issue that needs resolution by speaking with a claims specialist. The fact that you've been actively job searching (48 applications, 6 interviews) is excellent documentation to have ready when you speak with them.

i used claimyr last month when my account got locked. worth every penny cuz i got my money in 2 days instead of waiting weeks. just make sure u have all ur job search stuff ready when they finally answer

Slightly off topic but while your waiting to get this resolved have you checked if you qualify for emergency rental assistance? NYC has a program called ERAP that can sometimes help cover rent when you're between jobs or waiting for benefits to restart. Also check with local churches and community orgs - some have emergency assistance funds for situations exactly like yours.

UPDATE: I finally got through!! Used the Claimyr service this morning and got connected to an agent within 30 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on my account because I had mistakenly answered a certification question wrong in late January (said I turned down work when I meant to say I hadn't). The agent was able to correct it and release my payments - including retroactive ones! They're releasing 6 weeks of backpay that should hit my account within 3 business days. Such a relief! For anyone else in a similar situation - definitely worth contacting them directly to fix it rather than just assuming you're not eligible anymore. Thank you all for your help and advice!