How long can unemployment be collected in NY - confused about benefit duration limits
I'm getting close to week 20 of collecting unemployment benefits and starting to panic about what happens next. My cousin told me there's a limit but I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website about exactly how long you can collect. I've been laid off since August and still haven't found anything in my field. Does anyone know the actual time limit for regular unemployment benefits? And what happens if you run out before finding work?
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Esteban Tate
In New York, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits in most cases. This is standard for regular UI claims through NYS Department of Labor. However, the exact duration can vary slightly based on your work history and earnings during your base period. You should be able to see your maximum benefit amount and duration in your online account.
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Alice Pierce
•Thank you! I'll check my account again. I think I saw 26 weeks somewhere but wasn't sure if that was still current.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
yeah its 26 weeks but sometimes less if you didnt work enough before filing. i only got 22 weeks when i was laid off last year because of my work history
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Elin Robinson
The 26-week limit is for regular unemployment benefits, but there are some things you should know. First, make sure you're meeting all the job search requirements - you need to be actively looking for work and documenting it. Second, if you're in certain training programs approved by NYS Department of Labor, you might be able to extend benefits. Third, there's no automatic extension right now like there was during COVID.
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Alice Pierce
•I've been doing my job searches and logging them. What kind of training programs qualify for extensions?
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Elin Robinson
•Usually vocational rehabilitation programs or certain trade programs that NYS Department of Labor pre-approves. You'd need to apply for that before your benefits run out though.
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Atticus Domingo
I had such a hard time getting through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor when I was running out of benefits last year. Spent hours on hold trying to ask about my options. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have this video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much frustration trying to get through on my own.
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Beth Ford
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially.
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Atticus Domingo
•It's way cheaper than missing out on benefits or not getting answers you need. Plus they actually get you through to real people instead of just sitting on hold forever.
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Morita Montoya
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CUT PEOPLE OFF! They don't want you to know your rights or how to extend benefits. 26 weeks isn't enough when there's no decent jobs out there. I've been fighting with NYS Department of Labor for months about my case.
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Kingston Bellamy
•I understand the frustration, but there are legitimate ways to get help navigating the system. The rules exist for a reason, even if they're not always explained clearly.
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Kingston Bellamy
Here's what you need to know about the 26-week limit: It's calculated from when you first started receiving benefits, not from when you filed. So if there was any delay in processing your claim, those weeks still count toward your 26. Also, if you work part-time while collecting, those weeks still count toward your limit even if you're getting reduced benefits. Make sure you understand exactly where you are in your benefit year.
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Alice Pierce
•That's really helpful - I didn't realize the processing delay still counted against my 26 weeks. That explains why I'm closer than I thought.
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