How often can I file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - multiple claims allowed?
I've been laid off twice in the past year and half due to company downsizing in my industry. Filed my first unemployment claim back in March 2024 and that ran out after 26 weeks. Now I'm unemployed again as of last month and wondering if there's any restrictions on how often you can file new claims with NYS Department of Labor? My previous claim was approved without issues but I'm worried they might flag me for filing again so soon. Anyone know the rules around this?
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Nia Thompson
You can file a new claim as long as you meet the work requirements between claims. NYS Department of Labor requires you to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. If you worked between your first claim ending and this new layoff, you should be eligible for a fresh 26-week benefit period.
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Luca Esposito
•Thanks! I did work for about 4 months between the claims, so that should cover the work requirement. Do I need to mention my previous claim when filing the new one?
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Mateo Rodriguez
There's no limit on how many times you can file as long as you meet eligibility each time. I've filed three separate claims over the past few years due to seasonal work patterns and never had issues. Just make sure you report all your wages accurately on the new application.
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Aisha Abdullah
Had the same situation happen to me last year - filed in spring, went back to work, then got laid off again in winter. The second claim took a bit longer to process because they had to verify my work history between claims, but it went through fine. Just be patient with the adjudication process.
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Luca Esposito
•Good to know about the longer processing time. I'll make sure to have all my pay stubs ready in case they need verification.
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Ethan Wilson
ugh this system is so confusing!! i thought there was some kind of waiting period between claims but maybe thats just me overthinking it. does anyone know if the benefit amount changes if you file multiple times?
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Nia Thompson
•Your benefit amount is recalculated based on your wages in the new base period, so it could be higher or lower depending on what you earned between claims. No waiting period required between separate benefit years.
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NeonNova
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about your eligibility, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I needed to clarify my claim status.
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Aisha Abdullah
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they charge you anything for the service?
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NeonNova
•They do have a fee but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of sitting on hold for hours. Much faster than trying to call repeatedly myself.
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Yuki Tanaka
same boat here, filed twice in 18 months and no problems. just make sure you file within the right timeframe after getting laid off
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Keisha Williams
I was in a similar situation - filed my first claim in early 2023, then got rehired for about 6 months before being laid off again. The key thing is making sure you earned enough wages between claims to establish a new benefit year. NYS DOL will automatically calculate whether you qualify based on your work history. Don't worry about being "flagged" - layoffs are unfortunately common and they understand people may need to file multiple legitimate claims. Just be honest about your work dates and wages on the application.
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