How long do u get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
hey everyone so i just got laid off from my job at a warehouse and im trying to figure out how long i can collect unemployment for. i heard its different depending on where you live but im in NY. does anyone know how many weeks the NYS Department of Labor gives you? also do i need to keep looking for work the whole time or can i take a break for a few weeks? thanks
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Romeo Barrett
In New York, you can receive up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. This is the standard duration for most claimants. However, you must actively search for work every week you claim benefits - there's no 'break period' allowed. You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and log them in your job search record. The NYS Department of Labor takes job search requirements seriously and can disqualify you if you're not meeting them.
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Issac Nightingale
•ok thanks that helps. what counts as job search activities? like does applying online count or do i have to go in person places?
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Marina Hendrix
Yes, online applications definitely count. The 3 weekly job search activities can include: applying for jobs online or in person, attending job fairs, networking events, uploading resumes to job sites, or contacting employers directly. Just make sure you keep detailed records with dates, company names, and how you contacted them. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time.
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Justin Trejo
•Wait I thought it was only 2 job searches per week required? When did they change it to 3? I've been doing 2 this whole time...
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Marina Hendrix
•It's been 3 job search activities per week for regular UI claims. You might be thinking of a different program or an older requirement. I'd double-check your weekly certification questions to be safe.
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Alana Willis
26 weeks goes by FAST trust me. i used up all mine last year when my restaurant closed down. the worst part is calling the NYS Department of Labor when you have questions - you literally cannot get through to anyone. i probably called 200 times and never spoke to a human being.
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Tyler Murphy
•I had the same problem trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about my adjudication issue. Someone on here mentioned a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents. I tried it and actually got connected in like 10 minutes - couldn't believe it worked. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to call myself. Check out claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone there.
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Alana Willis
•wow really? that sounds too good to be true but at this point ill try anything. the hold music from NYS Department of Labor is burned into my brain lol
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Sara Unger
Just want to add that the 26 weeks can be extended during high unemployment periods, but that's pretty rare. Also make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week - if you miss a week you can't go back and claim it later. Set a reminder on your phone or something because its easy to forget.
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Issac Nightingale
•good tip about the reminder. when do you have to file by each week?
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Sara Unger
•You need to certify for benefits each week, usually by Sunday night for the previous week. The exact days depend on your Social Security number but don't wait until the last minute.
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