How long can u get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor - maximum weeks?
hey everyone, so i got laid off from my restaurant job last month and just started getting unemployment. im wondering how long can u get unemployment benefits for? like whats the maximum time? i heard different things from people but want to know the real deal. also does it matter if i find part time work or does that mess up my benefits? thanks
12 comments
Join the conversation
Javier Cruz
In New York, you can receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks during your benefit year. This is the standard maximum duration for regular UI benefits. Your benefit year starts when you file your initial claim and lasts for 52 weeks. If you work part-time while collecting, you need to report all earnings on your weekly claim certification. NYS Department of Labor will reduce your benefits based on how much you earn, but you might still receive partial benefits if your earnings are below a certain threshold.
0 coins
Natasha Orlova
•ok so 26 weeks max got it. what happens if i cant find a job by then? can i file again or am i just out of luck?
0 coins
Javier Cruz
•You can only file a new claim if you've worked enough and earned sufficient wages since your last claim. You'd need to meet the eligibility requirements again. If you haven't worked enough, you typically can't get benefits until you do.
0 coins
Emma Thompson
Wait I thought it was longer than 26 weeks? I've been on unemployment for like 8 months before during covid but maybe that was different. The whole system is so confusing and the NYS Department of Labor website doesn't explain things clearly. I'm always worried I'm going to mess something up with my weekly claims.
0 coins
Malik Jackson
•The extended benefits you received during COVID were special pandemic programs like PEUC that added extra weeks. Those programs ended in 2021. Now we're back to the regular 26-week maximum for standard unemployment insurance.
0 coins
Isabella Costa
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my benefit duration. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Was worth it just to get clear answers about my claim status instead of guessing.
0 coins
StarSurfer
•Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you a lot for it? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my adjudication that's been pending for weeks.
0 coins
Isabella Costa
•It wasn't expensive and way better than wasting days trying to get through on my own. Especially helpful when you need to resolve specific issues with your claim.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
just make sure ur doing ur job search requirements too or they'll cut u off before the 26 weeks. u gotta prove ur looking for work every week
0 coins
Natasha Orlova
•yeah i know about the job search thing. how many jobs do i need to apply to each week?
0 coins
Javier Cruz
•You need to make at least 3 work search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or other approved activities. Keep detailed records because NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time.
0 coins
Freya Christensen
The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think trust me. I thought I'd find something way before then but here I am at week 23 getting nervous. Restaurant industry has been tough since everything changed. Good luck to you.
0 coins