How long do I receive unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
Started collecting unemployment in December after getting laid off from my warehouse job. I'm wondering how long do I receive unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I know there's a time limit but I can't find clear info on their website. Is it 26 weeks total or does it depend on how much I worked? Also does the timer start when I first filed or when I got approved? Really don't want to run out without knowing.
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Marina Hendrix
In New York, you can receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year. The benefit year starts when your claim is effective, not when you filed. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). You need to keep filing your weekly claims and meeting job search requirements to continue receiving benefits.
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Romeo Barrett
•Thanks! So if my claim was effective January 2nd, I'd have benefits until early July? And the job search thing - is that still 3 contacts per week?
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Justin Trejo
yeah 26 weeks is standard but make sure you keep doing your weekly claims or you'll lose benefits even if you have weeks left
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Alana Willis
The 26 weeks can be extended in certain circumstances, but that's rare and usually only during economic emergencies. For regular unemployment insurance, stick with the 26-week timeline. Also, if you work part-time while collecting, those weeks still count toward your 26 weeks even if you receive reduced benefits.
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Tyler Murphy
•Wait, working part-time still uses up my weeks? That seems unfair if I'm only getting partial benefits!
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Alana Willis
•Yes, any week you claim benefits counts toward your 26 weeks, regardless of the amount. It's designed to encourage people to find full-time work rather than supplement part-time income indefinitely.
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Sara Unger
I had so much trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my benefit duration. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally 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. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered about my remaining weeks.
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Romeo Barrett
•How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money with unemployment payments.
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Sara Unger
•It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, getting accurate info about my claim was more important than struggling with the phone system for weeks.
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Butch Sledgehammer
I used up my 26 weeks last year and that was it - no extensions available. Make sure you're actively job searching because those 26 weeks go by faster than you think. Also keep all your job search documentation in case they audit you.
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