How long can I get unemployment benefits in NY - maximum duration question
Hey everyone, I just started receiving unemployment benefits last month and I'm wondering how long can I get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I've heard different things from friends - some say 26 weeks, others mentioned extensions during certain times. My job search is going slower than expected and I want to know what to realistically plan for. Does anyone know the current maximum duration for regular UI benefits in New York? Also does it matter if I was laid off vs quit (I was laid off due to company downsizing)?
13 comments
Join the conversation
Aria Khan
Standard unemployment benefits in NY are 26 weeks maximum for regular UI claims. This hasn't changed - it's been 26 weeks for years now. The extensions you might have heard about were temporary pandemic programs that ended in 2021. Your layoff vs quit situation doesn't affect the duration, but it did affect your initial eligibility (layoffs generally qualify, voluntary quits usually don't unless for good cause).
0 coins
Reginald Blackwell
•Thanks! So 26 weeks total no matter what? That's about 6 months right? I should be able to find something by then hopefully.
0 coins
Everett Tutum
yeah its 26 weeks but make sure you keep filing your weekly claims and doing the job search stuff or they'll cut you off early. i missed a few job contacts one week and got a warning letter from NYS Department of Labor
0 coins
Reginald Blackwell
•Good point about the job search requirements! How many job contacts do we need per week? I've been applying to maybe 2-3 jobs weekly.
0 coins
Aria Khan
•You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a detailed log. The NYS Department of Labor can request to see your job search record at any time, so document everything - company names, dates, contact methods, etc.
0 coins
Sunny Wang
I went through the full 26 weeks last year when my company closed. One thing to keep in mind is that if you find temporary work during your claim, you might be able to extend the remaining weeks beyond the normal benefit year end date. But honestly, getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about complex situations like that was nearly impossible with their phone system. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made a huge difference when I needed clarification on my remaining benefit balance.
0 coins
Hugh Intensity
•Wait, so if I work part-time during my unemployment claim, I can still get some benefits? I didn't know that was allowed.
0 coins
Aria Khan
•Yes, you can work part-time and still collect partial unemployment benefits as long as you report all earnings on your weekly claim. NYS Department of Labor has a formula - generally if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll get reduced benefits.
0 coins
Effie Alexander
The 26 week thing is true but honestly the whole system is designed to discourage you from using it. They make the job search requirements more and more ridiculous, the website crashes constantly, and don't even get me started on trying to reach anyone by phone. I burned through my 26 weeks mostly fighting with their system instead of actually job hunting.
0 coins
Melissa Lin
•I hear you on the frustration but try to stay positive! The job search requirements are actually helping me stay organized with my search. And there are ways to get through to them when you really need help.
0 coins
Lydia Santiago
same boat here! just started collecting last month too. good luck with the job search, hopefully we both find something soon before the 26 weeks runs out
0 coins
Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Thanks for the solidarity! It's reassuring to know someone else is in the same situation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both of us. Are you finding the job market pretty competitive right now? I'm seeing a lot of applications for each position I apply to.
0 coins
Liam McGuire
•Yeah the market is definitely tough right now! I'm seeing tons of applications for every posting too. What field are you in? I'm in marketing and it seems like everyone's being really picky about candidates. At least we have those 26 weeks to figure it out though. Have you been using any particular job boards that seem better than others?
0 coins