How long is unemployment benefits in NY - need to know duration before filing
I'm about to lose my job next week and trying to figure out how long unemployment benefits last in New York. I've heard different things from people - some say 26 weeks, others mentioned extensions. I want to plan my finances before I file with NYS Department of Labor. Can someone explain exactly how long regular unemployment lasts? Also wondering if there are any special circumstances that could extend it longer. I've been working for the same company for 8 years if that matters.
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Diego Flores
Regular unemployment insurance (UI) in New York provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. This is the standard duration for most claimants. Your benefit year starts when you first file your claim with NYS Department of Labor. The 26 weeks doesn't have to be consecutive - if you go back to work temporarily and then become unemployed again within your benefit year, you can continue collecting the remaining weeks.
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Chloe Taylor
•Thanks! So if I file in January, I have until the following January to use up those 26 weeks? Even if I find temporary work in between?
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Anastasia Ivanova
yeah its 26 weeks but sometimes they have extended benefits when unemployment is really high. theres no extensions right now though so dont count on getting more than the 26
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Sean Murphy
The 26 weeks is correct for regular UI. However, there are a couple of situations where you might get additional weeks. If you're in an approved training program through NYS Department of Labor, you may be eligible for extended benefits while you complete the training. Also, in rare cases when state unemployment rates trigger federal extended benefit programs, additional weeks become available, but this hasn't happened in NY recently.
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Chloe Taylor
•What kind of training programs qualify for extended benefits? I've been thinking about getting some certifications anyway.
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StarStrider
I'm in the same situation and really worried about only having 26 weeks. What if I can't find a job by then? Is there any other assistance available after unemployment runs out? The job market seems really tough right now especially in my field.
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Diego Flores
•After regular UI exhausts, you may be eligible for other programs like SNAP (food assistance) or temporary assistance through your county's social services department. NYS Department of Labor also offers job search assistance and career counseling services that don't have time limits.
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Zara Malik
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to ask about my benefit duration and other questions about my claim. Phone lines are always busy and the website wasn't clear about my specific situation. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made it so much easier to get real answers about my claim details instead of guessing.
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Anastasia Ivanova
•how much does something like that cost? seems like we shouldnt have to pay extra just to talk to unemployment office
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Zara Malik
•I was frustrated about that too, but it was worth it to actually get through and understand my benefits properly. Better than stressing for weeks about whether I was doing everything right.
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Luca Marino
Just to add - make sure you file as soon as you become unemployed. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your initial claim, so don't wait thinking you might find a job quickly. The 26 week clock doesn't start until you actually file with NYS Department of Labor.
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StarStrider
One important thing to keep in mind is that your 8 years with the same company definitely works in your favor - you'll likely qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount since that's based on your earnings history. Also, don't forget that you need to actively search for work and document your job search activities each week to continue receiving benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires at least 3 work search activities per week. Start organizing your job search strategy now so you're ready to hit the ground running when you file your claim.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•That's really helpful about the maximum benefit amount! I didn't realize having 8 years of steady employment would help with that. Quick question about the work search requirements - do all 3 activities have to be actual job applications, or can some of them be things like networking events or career fairs? I want to make sure I'm documenting the right types of activities from day one.
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StardustSeeker
•Good question about the work search activities! From my experience with NYS DOL, the 3 weekly activities can include job applications, but also networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and even online job search activities like updating your LinkedIn profile or attending virtual job workshops. The key is documenting everything with dates, company names, and contact info when possible. NYS DOL is pretty flexible about what counts as long as you're genuinely looking for work. I'd suggest mixing different types of activities - maybe 1-2 applications plus a networking activity each week to maximize your opportunities.
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