How long can you pull unemployment benefits in NY - running out of weeks soon
I've been on unemployment for about 22 weeks now and I'm starting to worry about running out. My claim shows I have maybe 4 more weeks left before it expires. Does anyone know exactly how long you can collect unemployment in New York? I keep seeing different numbers online and I'm not sure what happens when my benefit year runs out. Do I need to reapply or is there some kind of extension? Really stressed about this because I'm still actively job searching but the market is tough right now.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Andre Dupont
Standard unemployment benefits in NY last for 26 weeks maximum during your benefit year. Once those 26 weeks are exhausted, you would need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed. However, you need to have worked enough in the base period to qualify for a new claim. If you don't qualify for regular benefits, there's no automatic extension program currently active.
0 coins
Carmen Lopez
•Thanks for the info. So after 26 weeks that's it unless I can qualify for a brand new claim? What if I worked part-time during my unemployment - does that affect my ability to file a new claim?
0 coins
QuantumQuasar
i think its 26 weeks but not totally sure... have you tried calling the NYS Department of Labor to ask? their phone system is horrible tho, always busy or hangs up on you
0 coins
Zoe Papanikolaou
•I had the same problem trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about my claim status. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to a real agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting nowhere.
0 coins
Carmen Lopez
•That sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. How much does something like that cost?
0 coins
Zoe Papanikolaou
•It's worth checking out their site for details. Way better than spending entire days redialing the same number and getting hung up on constantly.
0 coins
Jamal Wilson
Yeah 26 weeks is the max unless there's some kind of federal extension program which there isn't right now. I went through this last year - you basically have to hope you find work before your benefits run out or file a new claim if you qualify.
0 coins
Mei Lin
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make it impossible to reach anyone and then cut you off right when you need help the most. 26 weeks isn't enough time in this job market especially if you're over 50 like me. Been applying everywhere and getting nowhere.
0 coins
Liam Fitzgerald
I'm in a similar situation with only a few weeks left. Does anyone know if the part-time work I did during unemployment affects my wage base for a new claim? I reported everything correctly but I'm worried it might not be enough to qualify for a new benefit year.
0 coins
Hailey O'Leary
•@Liam Fitzgerald Part-time work during unemployment can actually help you qualify for a new claim! The wages you earned from that part-time work get added to your base period for the new claim calculation. As long as you reported it properly which (it sounds like you did ,)those earnings should count toward meeting the minimum wage requirements for a new benefit year. You ll'need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period to qualify for a new claim in NY.
0 coins
Zoe Papadakis
@Carmen Lopez I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago - had about 24 weeks used up and was panicking about what came next. Andre is right that it's 26 weeks max for regular benefits. The key thing is whether you'll qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends. You need to have earned enough wages in your new base period (which includes any part-time work you did while on unemployment). I'd strongly recommend trying to get through to NYS DOL to check your wage history and see if you'll qualify for a new claim. Also keep detailed records of all your job search activities - they may ask for proof when you file the new claim.
0 coins