How long do unemployment benefits typically last in New York - confused about my claim duration
I just started receiving NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits after being laid off from my retail job last month. My coworker told me I can only get benefits for 12 weeks but I thought it was longer? I'm really stressed because I don't think I'll find another job that quickly. Can someone explain how long unemployment benefits typically last in NY? I'm getting $385 per week if that matters. Also do I need to keep filing weekly claims the entire time or does it stop automatically?
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Molly Hansen
In New York, regular unemployment benefits typically last up to 26 weeks (about 6 months), not 12. Your coworker might be thinking of a different state or confused about something else. You'll need to file your weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits - it doesn't stop automatically. Make sure you're meeting the job search requirements too.
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Connor Rupert
•Oh thank god, 26 weeks is much more reasonable! What are the job search requirements exactly? I've been applying to jobs but wasn't sure if there were specific rules.
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Brady Clean
Yeah 26 weeks is standard but you have to keep looking for work the whole time. I think you need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Don't quote me on the exact number though.
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Skylar Neal
•It's actually 3 work search activities per week in NY. You need to keep detailed records including employer names, dates, and method of contact. NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time.
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Vincent Bimbach
I've been on unemployment for 3 months now and still filing weekly. The system is such a pain though - sometimes the website crashes when I'm trying to file my weekly claim and then I panic that I'll miss the deadline.
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Kelsey Chin
•UGH yes the my.ny.gov site is terrible! I've had it time out on me so many times.
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Norah Quay
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim duration, I used a 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 that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks about my adjudication issue.
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Connor Rupert
•Is that legit? I've been trying to call them for days about another question but can never get through.
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Norah Quay
•Yeah it worked for me. I was skeptical at first but it actually connected me to a real NYS Department of Labor person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Leo McDonald
Just make sure you don't mess up your weekly claims because they can be really strict about that stuff. I missed one week by accident and it took forever to get it sorted out.
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Emma Wilson
•@Leo McDonald What happened when you missed that week? Did you lose those benefits permanently or were you able to get them back eventually? I m'paranoid about making any mistakes with the filing process.
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