How long can you claim unemployment benefits - NYS Department of Labor maximum duration?
I just started receiving unemployment benefits after being laid off from my construction job last month. My coworker mentioned something about only being able to collect for a certain amount of time but he wasn't sure exactly how long. Does anyone know what the maximum duration is for unemployment benefits in New York? I want to make sure I understand the timeline so I can plan accordingly. Also wondering if there are any extensions available if I can't find work before the benefits run out?
11 comments
Join the conversation
Diego Mendoza
In New York, regular unemployment benefits (UI) last for up to 26 weeks. This is the standard maximum duration for most claimants. The exact number of weeks you're eligible for depends on your base period wages and employment history. You can check your benefit year end date in your my.ny.gov account under claim details.
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
•Thanks! So that's about 6 months total. Do I need to do anything special to make sure I get the full 26 weeks or is it automatic?
0 coins
Anastasia Romanov
The 26 weeks is the maximum but not everyone gets the full amount. It depends on how much you worked and earned during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). If you had inconsistent work history, you might get fewer weeks. Also remember you have to keep filing your weekly claims and meeting job search requirements to continue receiving benefits.
0 coins
StellarSurfer
•This is so confusing! I thought everyone got the same amount of time. How do they calculate exactly how many weeks you get?
0 coins
Anastasia Romanov
•It's based on a formula using your total base period wages. NYS Department of Labor divides your total base period earnings by 26 to determine your benefit rate, and the number of weeks depends on how much you earned in your highest quarter.
0 coins
Sean Kelly
As for extensions, there usually aren't any automatic ones available right now like there were during the pandemic. Sometimes Congress approves extended benefits during periods of high unemployment, but that's not happening currently. Your best bet is to use the 26 weeks wisely and really focus on your job search from day one.
0 coins
Zara Malik
•Ugh this system is so stressful! 26 weeks sounds like a lot but it goes by fast when you're actually looking for work and dealing with interviews and everything.
0 coins
Luca Greco
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about my remaining balance and keep getting disconnected. The phone system is impossible! Has anyone found a way to actually reach a real person? I'm worried I'm missing something important about my claim duration.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold and getting hung up on.
0 coins
Luca Greco
•Really? I'll definitely look into that. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers about my claim status.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
Just remember that even if you find part-time work, you might still be able to collect partial benefits as long as you report your earnings correctly on your weekly claims. Don't stop filing just because you pick up some temporary or part-time work!
0 coins