How long do you get NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits - confused about duration
I just got laid off from my warehouse job after 2 years and I'm trying to figure out how long unemployment benefits last in NY. I've been getting different answers from people - some say 6 months, others say it depends on how much you worked. My former coworker said he got benefits for almost a year but that was during COVID. I'm really confused about the current rules. Does anyone know exactly how long NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits last now? I need to plan my job search timeline and budget accordingly.
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Malik Jenkins
In New York, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks (6 months) maximum. This is the standard duration that hasn't changed. Your friend who got benefits for a year was probably receiving the federal extensions that were available during the pandemic, but those ended in 2021. The 26 weeks starts from when you first file your claim, not when you get approved, so don't delay filing if you're eligible.
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Isabella Costa
•Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was worried I heard wrong. Do I need to do anything special to get the full 26 weeks or does it automatically continue?
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Freya Andersen
ya its 26 weeks but you have to keep filing your weekly claims and do the job search stuff or they'll cut you off. also if you turn down a suitable job offer they can disqualify you even if you haven't used up all 26 weeks
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Isabella Costa
•What counts as job search requirements? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off yesterday.
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Eduardo Silva
The 26-week maximum is correct, but keep in mind a few important details: 1) You need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits, 2) You must actively search for work and keep a log of your job search activities, 3) You need to be able and available for work each week, and 4) Any weeks you work and earn over the partial benefit threshold will reduce or eliminate your weekly benefit amount. Missing any of these requirements can result in disqualification before you reach the 26-week limit.
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Leila Haddad
•This is really helpful info. I'm in a similar situation and didn't realize about the job search log requirement. Where do I find the specific rules for what counts as job search activities?
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Eduardo Silva
•You can find the job search requirements on the NYS Department of Labor website. Generally you need 3 job search activities per week, which can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or using career services. Keep detailed records with dates, employers contacted, and method of contact.
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Emma Johnson
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my benefit duration and weekly claims. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at the unemployment office. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered about the 26-week timeline and job search requirements.
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Ravi Patel
•Never heard of that before. Did they actually help you get through or is it just another way to waste time?
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Emma Johnson
•They definitely helped me get through. I was stuck trying to understand some adjudication issues and couldn't reach anyone for weeks. Worth checking out if you're having trouble with the phone system.
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Astrid Bergström
26 weeks goes by FAST when you're unemployed, trust me. I used up my full benefits last year and still hadn't found anything decent. The job market is rough right now. Make sure you're really putting effort into your search from day one because that time limit doesn't care about your situation.
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