Do I need to extend or reapply for NY unemployment benefits when my current claim ends?

Unfortunately, NY doesn't offer automatic extensions anymore unless there's a special federal program in place (which there isn't right now in 2025). When your benefit year ends, you'll need to file a new claim entirely. Make sure you do this during the last week of your current benefits - don't wait until they've completely ended or you might have a gap in payments.

i did this last month. you gotta file a new claim. its NOT an extension

To clarify what others have said - in New York, unemployment benefits last for 26 weeks in a 52-week benefit year. If you've been receiving benefits since January 2025, you're approaching that 26-week limit. You will need to file a completely new claim, not an extension. Your weekly benefit amount might change with your new claim, as it will be based on your employment history in the last 5 quarters, including any work you did before your current claim began. If you haven't worked at all during your current benefit year, you may not qualify for a new claim. The system requires you to have worked and earned wages after the beginning of your previous claim to establish a new one.

DONT WAIT to reapply!!! I made that mistake and had a 3 week gap with NO MONEY coming in. Apply during your last certification week. And be prepared for them to possibly deny you if you haven't worked at all since your last claim started. They told me I needed to have earned at least 10x my weekly benefit amount in new work to qualify again.

My benefits ran out in March and I had to call them to sort out my new claim because the online system kept giving me errors. Took forever to get through...

Hey everyone I'm in a simlar sittuation but with a parttime job now. Do I still need to file a new claim or can I just keep certifying? My benefit year isn't over yet but my 26 weeks of payments are almost used up. so confused lol

Here's the official process for when benefits exhaust in NY: 1. If you've used all 26 weeks BUT your benefit year is still active: You cannot file a new claim until your benefit year ends. 2. If your benefit year is ending (sounds like your case): File a new claim during the last week of your current benefit year. 3. Eligibility for a new claim: You typically need to have worked and earned at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount since filing your previous claim. If you haven't earned enough new wages, NYSDOL will check if you qualify under alternative base period rules, which might allow them to use older wages from before your current claim. Keep in mind that processing a new claim typically takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues.

just be ready for them to maybe deny u if u havent worked enough. happened to my roommate and he was screwed for months

Does anyone know if they're offering any special programs right now for people who exhaust benefits? Back in 2022 there was that Extended Benefits program but I haven't heard of anything current.

Thank you everyone for all the info! I'm going to file a new claim during my last week and hope for the best. I'll make sure to gather all my gig work documentation just in case they need proof of some employment. This is all so stressful!