How long to collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my warehouse job after 2 years and I'm trying to figure out how long I can actually collect unemployment benefits in New York. I've never filed before and the NYS Department of Labor website is confusing me with all the different numbers and requirements. Can someone explain in simple terms how many weeks I'm eligible for? I heard it depends on how much you worked but I'm not sure what that means exactly.
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Dylan Cooper
In New York, you can collect unemployment for up to 26 weeks in a regular benefit year. The exact amount depends on your base period wages - that's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. As long as you worked enough and earned enough during that time, you'll get the full 26 weeks. You also need to keep filing your weekly claims and do the job search requirements.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•Thanks! So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be like January 2024 through September 2024? And I have to keep looking for work the whole time?
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Sofia Morales
yeah 26 weeks is standard but you gotta keep certifying every week and do 3 job searches. if you stop doing either one they cut you off even if you have weeks left
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StarSailor
The 26 weeks can be extended during high unemployment periods, but right now we're at regular duration. Make sure you understand the work search requirements - you need 3 work search activities per week and keep records. Also, if you refuse suitable work or don't participate in required reemployment services, your benefits can be terminated even if you have weeks remaining.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•What counts as 'suitable work'? I don't want to take a job that pays way less than what I was making before.
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StarSailor
•Generally, suitable work pays at least 80% of your previous wage for the first 10 weeks, then 75% after that. But it also depends on your skills, experience, and how long you've been unemployed. The longer you're out of work, the broader the definition becomes.
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Ava Garcia
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible. The phone lines are always busy and when I do get through, I get disconnected. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much frustration trying to get answers about my weekly claims.
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Miguel Silva
•Really? That actually worked for you? I've been calling for three days straight and can't get through to anyone.
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Ava Garcia
•Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually connects you to the same NYS Department of Labor agents, just without the endless busy signals. Worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.
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Zainab Ismail
The whole system is ridiculous. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but when you're actually looking for decent work it goes by fast. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - half the jobs posted are fake or pay nothing. They should extend it automatically instead of making people jump through hoops.
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Sofia Morales
•I feel you but at least we get something. Better than nothing while looking for work.
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Zara Shah
Just went through this process myself after being laid off from my retail job. The 26 weeks is correct, but here's what I wish someone told me upfront - start your job search documentation from day one and be really organized about it. I used a simple spreadsheet to track my 3 weekly activities (applications, networking contacts, job fairs, etc.) with dates and details. Also, don't wait to file - you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually submit your initial claim. The base period calculation can be confusing but the important thing is having steady work history in those 4 quarters. Good luck!
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QuantumLeap
•This is super helpful advice! I'm also new to this whole process and was wondering - what kind of activities count toward the 3 weekly job search requirements? Like does applying online count as one activity, or do networking events and job fairs carry more weight? I want to make sure I'm doing this right from the beginning.
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