How long do I get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my job at a retail store after working there for 2 years. I'm going to file for unemployment but I'm not sure how long the benefits last? I've never been on unemployment before so this is all new to me. Does anyone know how many weeks NYS Department of Labor gives you? Also do I need to do anything special to keep getting the payments each week?
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Giovanni Greco
In New York, regular unemployment benefits last for 26 weeks maximum. You'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving payments. Make sure you're actively looking for work and keeping a job search log because NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week. The amount you get depends on your previous earnings, but the maximum weekly benefit is $504 as of 2025.
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Amara Eze
•Thanks! So I have to look for 3 jobs every single week? What counts as a job contact exactly?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
The 26 weeks can go by fast so don't waste time. Apply online at labor.ny.gov and start filing your weekly claims right away. You can't get retroactive payments for weeks you don't file. Also keep detailed records of every job you apply to - employer name, position, date, how you applied. NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search activities.
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Amara Eze
•Good point about not being able to get retroactive payments. I'll file my claim today.
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Dylan Wright
26 weeks IF you're approved. Mine got stuck in adjudication for like 6 weeks and I couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor. The phone lines are always busy and they never call you back when you leave a message.
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Sofia Torres
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor agents. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration trying to call myself.
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GalacticGuardian
wait so if i worked part time can i still get unemployment? i was only working like 25 hours a week at my job
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Giovanni Greco
•Yes, part-time workers can qualify for unemployment benefits in NY as long as you meet the earnings requirements. Your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings during the base period, so it might be lower than someone who worked full-time.
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Dmitry Smirnov
Just remember the 26 weeks is the maximum. If you find a job sooner obviously the benefits stop. Also if you turn down suitable work or don't meet the job search requirements your benefits can be cut off before the 26 weeks are up.
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