Confused if I should file new claim after benefits exhausted on ny unemployment

Unfortunately when your benefits are exhausted, that's it unless there's some sort of federal extension program in place (which there isn't right now). Your benefit year may not be over, but once you use up all your money that's all you get for the year. Filing a new claim won't help because you're still in your benefit year.

I was in the same situation last month! Kept getting confused by the website and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Finally I tried this service called Claimyr.com and they actually got me connected to a real person at unemployment who explained everything. Talking to a real agent got my questions answered so fast - totally worth it for the peace of mind. They have a video explaining how it works too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The NY unemployment system is the absolute WORST. I literally had to contact my state assembly person to get any help with my claim when I was in a similar situation. Try reaching out to your local representative's office - they sometimes have direct contacts at DOL.

Since your benefit year isn't over till May 2024, you can't file a new claim until after that date. If you try to file before then, the system will just recognize you're still in your benefit year and it won't do anything. If you exhausted your benefits, that means you've received all 26 weeks of regular UI that NY offers. Your only options now are to either find work or look into other assistance programs like SNAP until your benefit year ends and you can file a new claim (assuming you qualify).

Before COVID there used to be an extension program called Extended Benefits (EB) that kicked in when unemployment was high, but I don't think NY has that available right now. If you file a new claim before your benefit year ends in May 2024, it'll probably get denied unless you had significant W2 employment since you opened your original claim.

Let me give you a complete breakdown of what's happening and what your options are: When you file for unemployment in NY, you get a "benefit year" (in your case until May 2024) and you're entitled to 26 weeks of benefits during that year. Once you've used all 26 weeks, that's it until your benefit year ends. Options: 1) Wait until May 2024 when your benefit year ends, then file a new claim IF you've worked enough in the past 18 months to qualify for a new claim. 2) Try to speak with a specialist at unemployment to confirm if there are any extensions or special programs you might qualify for. The regular call center people often don't know these details. Use Claimyr.com to get through to a specialist - it's way better than wasting days trying to get through yourself. 3) Look into other assistance programs while you continue job searching: SNAP (food stamps), rental assistance programs, etc. 4) If you've worked even part-time during your benefit year, double-check that those wages were properly reported as they could potentially increase your total benefit amount. I've been through this whole process twice and the most important thing is getting accurate information from an actual claims specialist, not the general call center.

Don't file a new claim! It won't do anything since your benefit year isn't over yet, and it might flag your account for review which could cause headaches if you try to file again when you're actually eligible.

Assuming you exhausted your regular UI benefits (26 weeks), there's no extension programs currently available in NY. During COVID there were extra programs but those are all gone now. You should look into other types of assistance like SNAP benefits while you continue looking for work.

I got through to NY unemployment last week using claimyr.com when I had a similar issue (tho mine was about backpay). The lady I spoke with told me that once benefits are exhausted that's it until the benefit year ends. She said filing a new claim before May would be pointless and just create confusion in their system.

Have you checked if you qualify for any partial unemployment? If you can find even part-time work, you might be able to get some partial benefits depending on how much you earn.

NY unemployment system is such a joke 🤡 spent 6 months dealing with them last year and everytime i called got different answers. best advice is to get an actual agent on the phone who can look at your specific claim details.

I feel your pain! 😫 Just wanted to add that you should absolutely apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already while you're between jobs. The application process is way easier than unemployment and it can help with food costs while you're figuring out the rest.

Hey Chris! I went through this exact same situation last year and it's so frustrating. Just to confirm what others have said - once you've exhausted your 26 weeks of benefits, you're done until your benefit year ends in May 2024. Filing a new claim now won't work because you're still in your current benefit year. The system is designed so you can only get one set of benefits per benefit year, regardless of whether you use them all at once or spread them out. Since you've been collecting since June 2023, you've likely hit that 26-week maximum. My advice: 1) Don't file a new claim yet - wait until after May 2024, 2) Document any part-time work you do between now and then as it might help you qualify for a new claim later, 3) Look into other assistance like SNAP, rental assistance, etc. to bridge the gap, and 4) If you really want confirmation from DOL, use one of those callback services people mentioned to actually get through to someone who can look at your specific account. It sucks but you're definitely not alone in this situation. The wait until May feels long but at least you'll know exactly when you can file again if you meet the work requirements. Hang in there! 💪

I'm in a similar boat and just wanted to share what I learned after finally getting through to someone at DOL. When your benefits are exhausted during your benefit year, you're basically in limbo until that year ends. The confusing part is that the system will still show your benefit year as "active" even though you can't collect anything more. One thing that might help while you wait - if you do any gig work or part-time employment between now and May, make sure those employers report your wages properly. When you file your new claim in May, having recent work history could make the difference between qualifying or not. Also, don't feel bad about applying for other assistance in the meantime. I know it feels weird after being on unemployment, but programs like SNAP are there for exactly this kind of gap. The application is actually pretty straightforward online. The waiting game sucks but at least you have a clear timeline now - May 2024 is when you can potentially file again. Just focus on job searching and documenting everything in case you need it later!