Can I still extend my NY unemployment benefits or did I miss the deadline?

Extensions aren't automatic - you gotta apply for them. You should be fine to apply since youre still within your benefit year (which is 52 weeks from when you first applied). Just make sure you keep certifying weekly even if your initial benefits run out while waiting for the extension to process.

Had the same issue last month! After trying to call for DAYS with no luck, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold with ny unemployment for you and calls you when an agent picks up. Literally saved me hours of frustration and the agent confirmed I was eligible for the extension right away. Talking to an agent got my extension processed so fast - best decision ever! Check out this video too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

yooo I just went through this last week! The extension is called Extended Benefits (EB) and yes its still available. But heres the thing - you dont apply for it until AFTER your regular UI benefits are completely exhausted. The system should automatically review your case when you hit week 26. But definitely call to confirm this before your benefits run out just to be safe.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but are you sure extensions are still available? I thought all the pandemic extensions ended a while ago. Regular NY unemployment is only 26 weeks total unless theres been a change I missed.

Here's what you need to know about unemployment extensions in NY right now: Regular UI benefits last for 26 weeks. After that, NY does have an Extended Benefits (EB) program that can provide additional weeks when unemployment rates are high enough in the state. Whether you qualify depends on several factors: - If you've used all 26 weeks of regular benefits - If you're still within your benefit year - If NY's unemployment rate currently triggers the extension program - If you've maintained your eligibility requirements The most reliable way to find out is to contact NYSDOL directly. However, getting through to them is notoriously difficult. I highly recommend using claimyr.com - it's a service that handles the hold time for you and connects you with an agent. I used it last month after trying for weeks to get through on my own. In the meantime, continue certifying weekly even if your benefits appear to be exhausted. This maintains your claim status while any extension is being processed. Hope this helps!

Don't listen to these ppl saying call!!! The nysdol phone system is HELL ON EARTH. I spent 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. Email them instead at their general mailbox. That's what finally worked for me.

why not just go to one of their offices in person? i know that sounds crazy in 2023 but thats what I did and got everything sorted in one day

I was in your exact situation in October! The key thing to understand is that Extensions and new claims are completely different things. If you're approaching the end of your 26 weeks but you're still within your benefit year (which starts from your initial claim date), then you might qualify for Extended Benefits. But if you're approaching the end of your benefit YEAR, that's when you'd file a new claim. The whole system is designed to be confusing I swear 😤

Best advice - DONT WAIT until your benefits run out to figure this out! Try claimyr.com to get through to an agent now. When my regular benefits were about to expire I waited until the last week and ended up with a 3 week gap before my extension kicked in. Nearly got evicted. Don't make my mistake!

im so sick of the unemployment system... designed to be impossible to navigate on purpose 😡