I just got my last NYC unemployment check today and message saying "This letter is proof that you have received all regular Unemployment Insurance benefits available on your current claim. This means you have received the maximum 26 weeks (104 effective days) of benefits on your claim with a benefit year ending 01/11/2026. You cannot receive any more regular Unemployment Insurance benefits on this claim.  I will be in financial stress. Like I stated I filed in NYC as I was living there and my last 18 months of employment are from there. I've since left in February of this year due to unemployment and now live in Virginia but still have not found work. Am I able to apply for Virginia unemployment assistance or could I still file for some assistance in NYC or try to get an extension considering my prior employment is from there?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Onalee. This is definitely a stressful time. Since you've exhausted your regular NY unemployment benefits, you generally cannot file a new claim in Virginia while your current NY benefit year is still active (until 01/11/2026). However, you do have some options to explore: 1. **Extended Benefits (EB)**: Check if NY is currently offering Extended Benefits due to high unemployment rates in certain areas. This would extend your NY claim. 2. **PEUC or other federal programs**: Depending on current federal legislation, there may be additional weeks available through federal extension programs. 3. **Virginia options**: Once your NY benefit year ends in January 2026, you could potentially file a new claim in Virginia if you've worked there by then. 4. **Other assistance**: Look into Virginia's SNAP, TANF, and local assistance programs while you continue job searching. I'd recommend calling the NY DOL directly to ask about any available extensions or federal programs you might qualify for. Also contact Virginia's VEC to understand your options there. Don't give up - there may be assistance available that isn't immediately obvious!

Onalee, I understand how overwhelming this must be. In addition to what Chloe and Yara mentioned, here are a few more things to consider: **Immediate steps:** - Contact NY DOL at 1-888-209-8124 to verify if any federal extensions are currently available - Apply for Virginia SNAP benefits immediately - you don't need to wait for unemployment decisions - Check with 211 Virginia (dial 2-1-1) for local emergency assistance programs **Important timing note:** Since your benefit year doesn't end until January 2026, you typically can't file a new claim in Virginia until then. However, if you find work in Virginia before then (even briefly), it could potentially create eligibility for a Virginia claim later. **Documentation tip:** Keep records of your job search activities in Virginia - this shows you're genuinely seeking work in your new state, which could be helpful for future applications. The transition between states during unemployment is really challenging, but there are resources available. Don't hesitate to reach out to local churches, community organizations, and food banks in Virginia while you navigate the bureaucratic process. You're not alone in this!