How to apply for supplemental unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor
I'm currently receiving regular unemployment benefits but I heard there might be supplemental benefits available that I could also qualify for. My weekly benefit amount feels pretty low compared to what I was making and I'm struggling to cover my rent. Does anyone know how to apply for supplemental unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I've been looking on the my.ny.gov website but can't find clear information about additional programs. My current claim shows active but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on any extra help that's available.
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Abigail bergen
There are a few different types of supplemental programs depending on your situation. The main one is the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) program, but that's typically only available through certain union contracts or employer-sponsored plans. NYS Department of Labor also has dependency allowances if you have dependents - that adds extra money to your weekly benefit amount. You should check your original unemployment application to see if you claimed any dependents.
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
•I do have two kids but I don't think I filled that part out correctly when I first applied. Can I go back and add dependents to my existing claim?
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Ahooker-Equator
You can usually modify your claim to add dependents but you'll need to contact NYS Department of Labor directly to do it. The dependency allowance is like $25 per dependent per week I think? It's not huge but every bit helps. You'll need to provide proof like birth certificates or tax returns showing you support them.
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Anderson Prospero
•Actually it's $25 for the first dependent and $15 for each additional one, up to 5 dependents max. But yeah you definitely need documentation.
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Tyrone Hill
I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about adding my daughter to my claim and their phone lines are always busy!! It's so frustrating because I know I'm entitled to that extra money but I can't get anyone to help me update my claim. Has anyone actually gotten through recently?
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Toot-n-Mighty
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents when the phones are jammed. I used it last month and got connected to someone within like 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. Way better than spending hours redialing the same busy number.
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Tyrone Hill
•That sounds too good to be true but at this point I'm desperate. I'll check it out, thanks!
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Lena Kowalski
Just want to clarify - there's no general 'supplemental unemployment benefits' program that everyone can apply for. The dependency allowance is one option if you have kids. Some people might be thinking of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) but that's only for specific job losses due to trade. Most of the pandemic-era supplemental programs like the extra $600 weekly are long gone.
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DeShawn Washington
•This is correct. People get confused because during COVID there were all those extra programs but now it's just regular UI plus dependency allowances if applicable.
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Anderson Prospero
Also worth mentioning - if your benefit amount seems really low compared to your previous wages, double check that NYS Department of Labor calculated your benefit correctly. Sometimes they don't include all your qualifying wages from the base period. You can request a wage transcript to verify what earnings they used in the calculation.
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Alexis Robinson
You might also want to look into other assistance programs while you're working on the unemployment side. SNAP benefits, emergency rental assistance, and utility help programs can bridge the gap when your UI benefits aren't covering everything. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local resources. Also check if your county has any emergency assistance programs - some offer one-time help with rent or utilities. It won't increase your unemployment amount but it can help with the immediate financial pressure you're facing.
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