Can unemployment run out - NYS Department of Labor benefit duration question
I've been collecting unemployment for about 20 weeks now and I'm starting to worry about how much longer I can keep getting benefits. Can unemployment run out? I know there's a maximum but I'm not sure what it is in New York. I've been doing my weekly claims and job searches but the job market is still pretty tough in my field. What happens when you reach the limit? Is there any extension or do you just stop getting paid?
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CosmicVoyager
Yes, regular unemployment benefits in New York have a maximum duration of 26 weeks. This is based on your base period wages and work history. Once you exhaust your regular UI benefits, that's typically it unless there are special federal extension programs (which there aren't right now). You'll need to requalify by working and earning enough wages to establish a new benefit year.
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Isabella Ferreira
•So after 26 weeks I'm just cut off? That's scary. I've been looking for work but nothing in my salary range yet.
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Ravi Kapoor
I hit my 26 week limit last month and yeah, the payments just stopped. You get a notice from NYS Department of Labor explaining that you've exhausted your benefits. The only way to get unemployment again is to work for a while and then file a new claim if you lose that job.
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Freya Nielsen
•How much do you have to work to qualify again? Is it like a certain number of weeks or dollar amount?
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CosmicVoyager
•You need to earn at least 10 times your weekly benefit rate in covered employment after your benefit year ends. So if your weekly benefit was $400, you'd need to earn at least $4,000 in wages.
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Omar Mahmoud
This is why the unemployment system is broken! 26 weeks isn't nearly enough time to find decent work, especially if you're older or in a specialized field. Other states have longer benefit periods but NY keeps it short.
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Chloe Harris
•I understand the frustration, but if you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to discuss your options, I found claimyr.com really helpful for getting through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to someone can help you understand if there are any other programs you might qualify for.
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Diego Vargas
wait so there's no extended benefits anymore? i thought there were extensions during covid
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CosmicVoyager
•The pandemic extensions like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Extended benefits only kick in during very high unemployment periods, which we're not in currently.
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NeonNinja
I'm at week 24 now and definitely feeling the pressure! Been applying everywhere but employers are being really picky. At least I know I have 2 more weeks to figure something out.
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Sarah Ali
I'm in a similar boat - at week 18 and starting to panic about the 26 week limit. Have you looked into any workforce development programs or career services that might be available while you're still collecting? I heard some community colleges offer free retraining programs for unemployed workers. Might be worth checking out if it could help you transition to a different field with better job prospects before your benefits run out.
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