How long do you get unemployment for in NY - confused about benefit duration
I just got approved for unemployment benefits and I'm trying to figure out how long I can collect for. The NYS Department of Labor website mentions 26 weeks but I've heard different things from people. Does it depend on how long you worked before? I worked for about 18 months at my last job making around $52,000 per year. Can someone explain how the duration actually works?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
In New York, the standard duration is 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. This doesn't change based on how long you worked as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements. The amount you receive is based on your wages, but the duration stays at 26 weeks for regular UI claims.
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Andre Lefebvre
•Thanks! So it's always 26 weeks no matter what? That seems straightforward enough.
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Jamal Anderson
yeah its 26 weeks but make sure you keep filing your weekly claims or you'll lose benefits. also you have to do the job search stuff they require
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Mei Wong
The 26 weeks can be extended in certain circumstances, but that's rare and usually requires federal action during economic emergencies. For regular unemployment, you get 26 weeks as long as you continue to meet all the requirements - filing weekly claims, actively seeking work, and being able and available for work.
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QuantumQuasar
•What happens if you can't find work after the 26 weeks? Do you just have no income at that point?
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Mei Wong
•After regular unemployment benefits end, you might be eligible for other programs depending on your situation, but there's no automatic extension. You'd need to look into other assistance programs or continue your job search.
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Liam McGuire
I had such a hard time getting through to the NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my claim duration. Spent hours on hold just to ask basic questions. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call directly.
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Amara Eze
•Interesting, never heard of that service before. Did they charge you for it?
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Liam McGuire
•They do charge but it was worth it for me since I couldn't get through any other way. The peace of mind knowing I could actually talk to someone about my benefits was huge.
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Giovanni Greco
26 weeks goes by fast especially if you're in a competitive field. I burned through mine during the tech layoffs and it wasn't nearly enough time. The job market is brutal right now.
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Amara Eze
Just make sure you understand all the work search requirements. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about the three job contacts per week and they do audit people randomly.
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Andre Lefebvre
•Three per week? I thought it was just that you had to be looking for work. Do I need to document everything?
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Amara Eze
•Yes, you need to keep a log of your job search activities. They can ask for it at any time and if you don't have proper documentation, they can disqualify you.
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Emma Davis
Just wanted to add that while the 26 weeks is standard, you should also know that your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. With your $52K salary over 18 months, you should be getting a decent weekly amount. Also, don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income - you can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later, but it's something to plan for. Good luck with your job search!
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