How long can you collect unemployment benefits in NY - confused about duration limits

In New York, the standard unemployment benefit duration is 26 weeks (6 months) for regular UI claims. This is based on your benefit year, which starts when you first file your claim. However, there are some important details to keep in mind: your weekly benefit amount and total benefit amount are calculated based on your earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). You can't collect more than your maximum benefit amount even if you haven't reached 26 weeks. Also, you must continue filing weekly claims and meeting all eligibility requirements including job search activities.

In New York, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. That's the standard duration for most claimants. The amount you receive each week depends on your earnings history, but the 26-week clock starts ticking from when you first file your claim. There are no automatic extensions right now like there were during COVID - those federal programs (PEUC, PUA) ended in 2021.

In New York, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits during a 12-month benefit year. This is the standard duration for most claimants. There are no federal extensions currently available like there were during the pandemic. Your benefit year started when you first filed your claim in December, so you'd be eligible for benefits through that 12-month period as long as you have sufficient wage credits and continue to meet all eligibility requirements including your weekly job search activities.

Well, there CAN be extensions but they're rare and only during really bad economic times. NYS Department of Labor has to trigger them based on unemployment rates. Right now the economy is considered stable so no extensions are available. After your 26 weeks are up, you'd need to find work and earn enough wages to qualify for a new claim period if you become unemployed again later.

yeah its 26 weeks max but you gotta keep doing the job search stuff and filing every week or they'll cut you off even if you have time left

You might be able to file a new claim after your benefit year ends IF you've worked enough and earned enough wages since your original claim. NYS Department of Labor requires you to have worked in at least two quarters and earned a minimum amount. If you haven't worked during your unemployment period, you probably won't qualify for a new claim and would need to exhaust all your current benefits first.

wait i thought there were still federal extensions?? my cousin in another state said she got extra weeks last year

You can check your remaining benefit balance by logging into your account on the NYS Department of Labor website. Look for your benefit summary or claim status page - it should show both your weekly benefit amount and your remaining balance. If you're having trouble accessing your account or the website is acting up, you might want to try calling the NYS Department of Labor directly, though I know their phone lines can be really busy. There's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can help you get through to an actual agent faster if you're having trouble reaching them. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.

Wait I thought there were extensions available? I heard people talking about extended benefits during covid but I don't know if those are still around. Are there any circumstances where you can get more than 26 weeks?

The whole system is so frustrating honestly. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but when you're actually looking for work in this job market it goes by so fast. And god forbid you have any issues with your claim that put you in adjudication - that time still counts against your 26 weeks even though you're not getting paid!

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to verify your exact situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was stuck trying to get clarity on my remaining weeks and couldn't get through the phone lines for days. They basically call for you and connect you when an agent picks up.

Just remember that even if you exhaust your UI benefits, you might qualify for other assistance programs while you continue job searching. SNAP, Medicaid, maybe local assistance programs. Don't let the 26-week limit discourage you from keeping up the job search.

wait so there's no more extensions at all?? I thought there were still some pandemic programs running. I'm in the same boat as you OP, been on unemployment since November and getting worried about what happens when I hit that 26 week mark

I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact question. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting on hold forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation and timeline.

The system is so messed up honestly. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but it goes by SO fast especially if you're in a field where jobs are hard to find. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - they expect you to apply to like 3 jobs a week which is ridiculous in some industries!!

26 weeks goes by so fast! I burned through mine last year and had to take a job that wasn't ideal just to avoid the gap. The system really pushes you to take whatever is available as you get closer to the end.

Just make sure you're keeping track of your job search activities too. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. If they audit you and you can't prove your job search, they can disqualify you even if you have weeks left on your claim.

I'm in a similar situation - been collecting for about 16 weeks now and getting anxious about the time limit. What I found helpful was logging into my NY.gov account and looking at the "Payment History" section. It actually shows you how many weeks you've claimed so far, which helps you do the math on how many you have left. Also, I started keeping a spreadsheet tracking my weekly claims just so I have a clear picture of where I stand. The job market is definitely tough right now, but at least knowing exactly where you are in the 26-week timeline helps with planning. Has anyone had luck with temp agencies or contract work to bridge the gap while still looking for permanent positions?