Is 26 weeks really the max for ny unemployment benefits or can you get more?

Yep, standard NY unemployment is 26 weeks. That's the max for regular benefits. Once upon a time there were extensions but those COVID programs are long gone. When your 26 weeks are up, that's it until you work enough quarters to qualify for a new benefit year. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 🤷‍♂️

After struggling for WEEKS trying to reach NY unemployment by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). It actually got me connected to a real person who explained all my benefit duration questions. Best money I've spent to finally talk to an agent instead of hearing that stupid automated message on repeat. They have a video showing how it works too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

26 weeks is the standard, but the secret trick is to find work even part time during your claim period. That makes your benefits stretch longer because they only count weeks where you collect full benefits toward your 26. If you report earnings and get partial benefits some weeks, it can stretch your claim period. Not a perfect solution but better than nothing.

I just went through this last year. 26 weeks max, then you're cut off. But here's a tip - start applying for literally everything 4-5 weeks before your benefits end. The hiring process takes forever these days and you dont wanna have a gap between UI ending and first paycheck. I learned this the hard way and had to use credit cards for 3 weeks 😬

Unfortunately yes, 26 weeks is the max for NY unemployment. I just exhausted mine last month. Now Im applying for anything I can find while doing DoorDash to make ends meet. Its rough out here. Start preparing now my dude.

Look into the 599 training program ASAP!! If you get approved for job training while on UI, you can sometimes get benefits extended during your training period. But you need to apply and get approved BEFORE your benefits run out. Call the ny unemployment hotline and ask specifically about the 599 program. Its not well advertised.

I'VE CALLED NY UNEMPLOYMENT 37 TIMES THIS WEEK AND NEVER GET THROUGH. HOW IS ANYONE SUPPOSED TO ASK QUESTIONS WHEN THEY NEVER ANSWER THE DAMN PHONE?!?!?!

As someone who used to work at NYSDOL (quit last year), I can confirm 26 weeks is the maximum under normal circumstances. The system is set up to provide temporary relief, not long-term support. My advice: if you're in construction, look into union apprenticeship programs that start in late winter/early spring. They often take applications in February/March for April start dates, which might align with when your benefits end. Also consider reaching out to temp agencies that specialize in construction - they often have leads on projects starting earlier in the season.

The whole ny unemployment system is a joke 🤡 26 weeks in a state with one of the highest costs of living in the country? And they wonder why people end up on other assistance programs after UI runs out. Its all connected but they act like these are separate issues.

Here's what you need to know about NY unemployment benefits duration and what to do when they run out: 1) Standard duration is indeed 26 weeks maximum for regular benefits. 2) Extension programs that existed during COVID (like PEUC and EB) have all expired. 3) Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first filed, but you only get payments for a maximum of 26 weeks within that year. 4) Options when benefits are exhausted: - Apply for other assistance programs (SNAP/food stamps) - Check eligibility for rent assistance programs - Consider training programs (599 program can sometimes extend benefits) - Look into local workforce development programs - Consider temp work or gig work to bridge the gap 5) If you need to speak with an agent about your options (which I highly recommend), use claimyr.com to get through the phone system. It's the only reliable way to actually reach someone who can help. 6) Start planning NOW for what happens when benefits run out - don't wait until the last minute. The system is unfortunately designed with the assumption that 26 weeks is enough time to find new employment, which isn't always the case, especially in seasonal industries like construction. Starting your preparation early is key.

No offense but have u tried just getting a job in a different industry temporarily? I was in hospitality when covid hit, benefits ran out, I took a warehouse job I hated for 8 months until my industry recovered. Sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do, sitting around waiting for construction to pick up in spring ain't gonna pay the bills 🤷‍♀️

my benefits ran out after 26 weeks and i had to move back in with my parents at 38 years old. this system is broken af. good luck dude.

The 26 weeks is a hard limit unfortunately. What I did was take a bunch of gig work through TaskRabbit doing handyman stuff. If you've got construction skills, you can probably make decent money there while looking for permanent work. Just make sure to set aside money for taxes cause they don't withhold.

Quick question – what happens if you find work but then get laid off again before your benefit year ends? Can you reopen your claim and use the remaining weeks?

ny unemployment is the most frustrating system ever. took me 7 weeks to get my first payment because of "verification issues" and now I'm supposed to just be grateful for the 26 weeks they give me? what a joke

i think im the only person here with some good news lol. yes its 26 weeks BUT if you work part time during those weeks and report earnings, those weeks where you get reduced benefits don't fully count against your 26. i stretched my claim to almost 9 months doing this. just something to consider.

Everyone saying 26 weeks is right, but no one talking about the stupidly low maximum benefit amount in NY 🙄 even if you made good money before, the max benefit is way below what most people need to survive in NY. The whole system needs an overhaul.