Can you still collect unemployment after being laid off in 2025?
My position got eliminated yesterday due to company restructuring and I'm wondering if I can still collect unemployment benefits in New York. I heard the rules changed recently and I'm not sure what's still available. I worked there for 2 years full-time making about $48,000 annually. Do I need to apply right away or can I wait a few days? Also worried about the job search requirements - how many applications do they expect per week now?
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Isabella Silva
Yes, you can absolutely still collect unemployment in NY! You should file your claim as soon as possible though - benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. With your work history and salary, you should qualify for regular UI benefits. Current job search requirement is 3 work search activities per week, but they're pretty flexible about what counts as a work search activity.
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Malik Robinson
•Thank you! Should I file online through my.ny.gov or is there another way? And what exactly counts as a work search activity?
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Ravi Choudhury
File online through my.ny.gov - it's the fastest way. Work search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, even updating your LinkedIn profile counts. Just keep records of everything you do. The system will ask you to certify your weekly claims every Sunday.
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CosmosCaptain
•wait i thought you had to apply to 3 actual jobs not just update linkedin?? im so confused about these requirements
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Isabella Silva
•No, they're more flexible now. Job applications count as one activity, but so do other job search related tasks. The NYS Department of Labor website has the full list of acceptable activities.
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Freya Johansen
I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and the phone lines are impossible! Does anyone know a better way to reach them? I keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours.
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Omar Fawzi
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents without the endless hold times. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I finally got my adjudication issue resolved after weeks of trying on my own.
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Chloe Wilson
ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess, even when you qualify its like pulling teeth to get your money
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Diego Mendoza
I was laid off 3 months ago and still collecting benefits fine. The weekly certification is pretty straightforward once you get used to it. Just make sure you report any part-time work if you pick up gig jobs while looking for full-time work.
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Malik Robinson
•Good to know! How long can you typically collect for?
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Diego Mendoza
•Up to 26 weeks for regular unemployment benefits, but it depends on your work history and how much you earned.
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