How long can a person get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?

The standard unemployment insurance (UI) benefit period in New York is 26 weeks. This is your regular state unemployment. The amount you receive depends on your previous earnings, but the maximum weekly benefit is currently around $504. You need to file your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.

There used to be extended benefits during the pandemic but those ended a while ago. Now it's basically just the 26 weeks unless New York's unemployment rate triggers extended benefits, which hasn't happened recently. Make sure you're doing your job searches every week - NYS Department of Labor requires 3 work search activities per week.

I've been through this twice unfortunately. First time I found a job after 12 weeks, second time I hit the full 26 weeks and benefits just stopped. That was back in 2023 and there were no extensions available. Start your job search seriously from week 1 because 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're being picky about positions.

The 26 week thing is correct but there's also something called Extended Benefits (EB) that can kick in if the state unemployment rate gets high enough. But that rarely happens anymore. There's also Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job was lost due to foreign trade, but that's very specific circumstances. For most people it's just the standard 26 weeks of regular UI.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! I had to call NYS Department of Labor like 15 times just to get through and ask about my weekly claim certification. The wait times are absolutely ridiculous. If you need to actually talk to someone I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to unemployment agents faster. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Just to add - make SURE you don't miss any weekly certifications or you could lose benefits permanently for those weeks. And if you do any part-time work while collecting, you have to report it accurately or they'll hit you with an overpayment notice later. The 26 weeks is the maximum but you can lose eligibility before that if you mess up the requirements.

Regular unemployment benefits in NY last up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) as long as you meet all the requirements. You'll need to file weekly claims every week and do job search activities. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work and document it in your job search record. Don't skip filing your weekly claims even if you haven't heard back about your initial application.

I think its 3 job searches per week but im not 100% sure on that. applying online definitely counts, going to job fairs counts too

It's actually a minimum of 3 work search activities per week, but they changed the requirements recently. You can do online applications, networking contacts, job interviews, career counseling sessions, or attending job fairs. The NYS Department of Labor has a list of approved activities on their website. Keep detailed records because they do audit job search logs.

26 weeks goes by FAST when you're looking for work. The job market is brutal right now especially in manufacturing. I used up all my benefits last year and still couldn't find anything decent. Just be prepared that 6 months might not be enough time.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call and getting disconnected. Worth checking out if you run into issues.

same boat here, got laid off in december and still waiting to hear back about my claim status. this whole process is ridiculous